Free Ideas for Garden Flower Beds

Neighborhoods and Communities

• Walk or drive through neighborhoods. When you spot a flower bed that interests you, take notes of the types of flowers or take a picture. You can look up the flowers later on-line to find out their names if you do not know them or are too shy to ask the homeowner. Study how flower beds are designed at public parks, office parks and on hotel grounds.

Botanical Gardens

• Botanical gardens are a wonderful source for ideas. Most have a multitude of different gardens and themes. Pay attention to how they use native flowers for ideas on which varieties grow best in your area.

University Extensions

• Most colleges and universities offer much free advice and publications as a service to the public. Extensions are an outstanding source of information on flowers -- how, where and when to plant them, and how to take care of them.

Nurseries and Garden Centers

• Major flower growers often provide free literature to nurseries and garden centers. Some even hold classes, and most have staff members who love to share their knowledge and give advice on how to design a bed, select flowers and how to care for them.