Location Location Location

All three of these pictures were taken today and they are taken from inside the house. This tree lilac is is outside the dining room bay window.

This is outside my living room picture window.

This view is off the back porch.

This is an opinion or taste thing and may not be your opinion or taste. However, it's an option you may want to consider as you develop more flower beds around your home.

In the Midwest, the majority of our year isn't conducive to walking in the garden and admiring flowers up close. Most of us are so busy, we simply haven't the time to take that leisurely stroll every day to admire the blooms. That being the case, having flower beds planted so you can enjoy them from your windows makes sense.

I'll allow you must enjoy flower beds more than you enjoy turf grass to want this idea to work.



Although my beds are "random" or more English garden, the more formal design works as well.

Some of my techniques and reasoning I've used when locating beds within window views:

I'm anxious to get rid of as much turf grass as possible. Mowing takes time and turf grass takes work, chemicals, and time to maintain. Once large flower beds are mostly weed free and planted and mulched, they become much easier than turf grass.

Consideration to the four seasons is essential to a pleasing window view. Evergreens, ornamental grasses and seed pods are good for winter. Bulbs, iris, fruit bushes and trees grace the Spring garden. Summer needs plants that bloom early, mid season and late. Fall is all about phlox, mums and leaves that change color. Having focus that melds between seasons is a plus.

Walkways provide for smelling, observing and maintenance. They also add structure in the winter.

Ornamentation (bird baths for instance) can add grace and help attract birds and butterflies.

The outside venues don't need to be large or expansive to work. A simple round bed may be all you want or can manage. Placed at the right spot for viewing from inside the house, it will still bring joy. A few pots placed where you can view them outside your window or as you walk to and from the garage may be just perfect.

Another plus for city living, planted beds can also bring privacy without having to pull the shades. Add outdoor lighting (such as solar lights) and it discourages prowlers and adds another level of viewing.

One caution in developing a garden close to your home is to make sure you keep the water draining away from your home's foundation, keep biodegradable mulch away from your siding, and maintain air circulation.

“In the hope of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.”

- Albert Schweitzer