How to Build a Flowerbed Around a Pine Stump

Start your project in the spring when the soil thaws and dries out. This makes digging easier and planting more successful. Rake the soil in a 5- to 10-foot circle around the pine stump to level it and eliminate weeds, rocks and litter.

Till the top 10 inches of soil to loosen and aerate it. Remove any old roots, as those may inhibit new flower growth. Lay 5 inches of organic compost on the site and tuck it into the natural soil. Compost builds more nutritious and supportive soil. Turn 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil through the bed for better nutrition.

Plant the flowers. Choose large, long-stemmed flowers such as calla and canna lilies, daffodils, irises and tulips to hide the stump. Choose smaller annuals such as petunias, pansies, begonias and mums to expose the stump and use it as a rustic decoration. Use shade-tolerant flowers such as violets, impatiens, primroses and wax begonias if the stump sits in the shade.

Water the flower garden with 2 inches of water every week to maintain the plants. Use 1 to 2 inches of organic compost to protect the soil through the season, and feed plants with complete fertilizer at midseason for continued blooming and growth.