Flowering gardens are a beauty to behold and bring enormous satisfaction to those who plant them. Doing ones' own landscaping has many rewards. Gardens that grow and bloom during all seasons can be a challenge, but in many gardening zones, planning and the right mix of flora makes this possible.

Blooms Burst In Winter

Crocus often thrust tiny, delicate blooms through the snow in winter, making them a must have for your garden. They rarely get taller than four inches, so place them around the edges of your beds, or scatter throughout for ground-hugging beauty. Some hybrid varieties bloom as early as November. Plant Pansies in coordinating colors. Evergreen shrubs may compliment your winter landscape, especially when sparkling with ice. Ornamentation in the garden is more visible at this time of year; add benches, statues and seasonal decorations.

Spring Blossoms

Narcissus, Daffodils and Jonquils present an early spring show and are great for naturalizing. Hybrids offer an abundance of shapes and colors and require little care. These multiply yearly. If you have enough space,consider forms of Pussy Willow and Witch Hazel, also early bloomers. Pansies and Violas work well with these combinations.

Spring flowering bulbs are a must for a beautiful landscape. Asiatic Lilies come in a variety of colors and bloom early in spring. Tulips make an early showing as well. Rhizomes, corms and tubers,such as Iris blooms follow and add to your display. Azaleas offer a bushy option, as does the Forsythia.

Planting seeds instead of buying the actual plant can be a money-saving option. Start seeds indoors and replant outside for earlier bloom, or plant outside after danger of frost has passed in your area. Variety allows you to display your personality through your blossoms. Using seeds provides an unlimited selection.

Look though catalogs and plan your color scheme. Daisies, Marigolds and Calendulas are hardy choices for the beginning and accomplished gardener. Cosmos, with its' frilly foliage, makes a great blossom for the back of your area. These hardy annuals can reach six feet and may bloom until frost.

Summer Showings

Ready-to-flower plants can be intermingled with seeds. Gaillardias and Gerber Daisies are popular and require little more than feeding, watering, and deadheading. Evening Primroses add fragrance as well as beauty.

Summer flowering bulbs, such as Gladiolus and Crinum should be planted in early spring for summer bloom. Cannas and Calla lilies have dramatic foliage and beautiful flowers. The many shapes and shades of Coleus allows your landscape to make a striking statement. Plant flowers and bulbs in waves instead of rows for a more dramatic effect.

Crisp Autumn Beauty

Autumn flowering plants are more of a challenge, particularly in the higher zones. Colchicums and Cyclamens will bloom in late August through November. If your area experiences early freezes, cover the plants for protection. Make sure to uncover before the sun can burn them.

The hardy Mum is a fall garden classic. Colors and varieties allow dramatic combinations. Asters, Pansies and the edible Viola add texture and contrast. Many colorful grasses put on a show in autumn as well.

Experiment with different plants and flowers until you find your perfect combinations. These methods allow you to find what works best in your garden. Be sure to check sun requirements for different varieties and always start with a rich, well-drained soil for best results. Enjoy the satisfaction of nature's beauty under your design.

Learn more about this author, Becca Badgett.
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