How to Design a Kidney-Shaped Annual Flower Bed

Use colored pencils to sketch out on a piece of paper what the finished kidney-shaped garden should look like and where it will be placed in your yard. Keep in mind the path of the sun to follow recommended sunlight guidelines for the flowers.

Cordon off the area for your annual bed with stakes and string. These defines the general area that you plan to work in.

Dig up the border between the annual bed and the rest of your yard with a shovel by creating a kidney-shaped trench deep enough and wide enough to accommodate whatever border material you choose. Place the border material snug against each other. Firm up its placement with remaining loose soil.

Use a pickax or rototiler to turn over the soil 6 to 8 inches deep. Remove rocks, weeds, and any other undesired vegetation. Rake the surface so it’s smooth for planting.

Add any decorative touches to your kidney-shaped annual bed before you begin planting. This will help you visualize how the garden will look as you plant. Decorative touches can include fountains, boulders or garden sculptures.

Plant the flowers or seeds with your overall kidney-shaped garden in mind. That means you’ll want the colors and different heights of the plants to complement one another.

Water according to the guidelines for each of your plants. Ask the local nursery about what kinds of pests you need to guard against. If you have small children or pets, read product instructions before applying any fertilizer or pest control measures.