A flower bed is usually a strip, more or less regular, of the developed area in the garden. They are created next to fences, walls, gazebos or paths. Smaller beds are often single-species, while in larger spaces, there are beds containing various plant species.
Garden designers suggest that when planning a discount, take into account their style immediately - some love a geometric approach, others prefer naturalistic climates far from maintaining symmetry. It is also necessary to select an appropriate set of tools for preparing the substrate and planting plants.
First of all - preparation of the substrate
The basic activity when setting up flower beds is proper preparation of the substrate. They should be well weeded and then loosened.The new Xact ™ weeder, for example, is an excellent tool for removing weeds along with the roots.It is distinguished by a longer handle, which guarantees comfortable work in hard-to-reach places. The complete set comes with a durable and functional Xact ™ cultivator, which will loosen and aerate the soil efficiently.
An important issue is to adapt the substrate to the specific requirements of selected plant species.If the ground is too clay, heavy, then we can loosen it with sand, gravel or compost.On the other hand, the sandy substrate, depending on the needs of a given plant, can also be enriched with compost, which will improve its structure.
Then the rebate should be carefully ruffled and evened out.For small areas, the new Xact ™ rake can be used, with a 7-tooth head made of stainless steel. On larger surfaces, use a universal rake with a wider head. The prepared surface is ready for planting.
Fiskars Xact ™ 3-tooth cultivator (Image: Fiskars)
Second - selection of plants
When selecting plants, remember that some species may prefer sunny locations and others shady ones. The same goes for wind resistance. The quality of the substrate and the pH reaction are another factor determining the selection of plants.Species that prefer alkaline substrates are not to be planted, for example, with heather plants that require an acid substrate.
It is good for the colors of the discount to be consistent, then we get rid of the chaos that may disturb the final effect. Some also focus on planting harmoniousness, where there is a visible transition from tall plants, planted in the rear part of the bed, to the lowest, planted at the edge of the bed.One thing is certain - it is worth choosing plants in such a way that the bed is attractive all year round.
Third - planting plants
When planting plants in a bed, appropriate spacing should be maintained between plants, depending on the growth strength of specific plants.The holes should be partially filled with compost.A necessary tool is a spatula. The novelty from the Xact ™ series can handle even hard ground. The spatula has a fairly large stainless steel head with sharp edges. Comfort of work is also guaranteed by the handle covered with Softgrip ™ coating. This will protect us from abrasions or corns on our hands after intensive work in the garden.
Try not to plant flower beds close to hedges with extensive root systems, which does not have a positive effect on smaller plants, which thus lose access to water. Planted plants should be mulched. A thick layer of mulch will reduce the spread of weeds as well as water evaporation.
