by Teri Taylor

Created on: November 26, 2008

Flower beds are the exciting part of outdoor gardening, and they can help with a myriad of problems in many ways. They turn bland and boring spots into enticing and alive spaces. They can be incorporated into any existing landscape design. For diversity throughout the flower bed, add some of each of the various types of flowers.

Most people are aware of the familiar benefits of flowers. They are very beautiful to the eye, and they produce wafting, natural aromas. Science has also documented the uplifting effects of flowers upon the human spirit.

According to the website AboutFlowers.com a study conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Home Ecology of Flowers, revealed "that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home."

The site quotes Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., who led the investigative team, as saying, "As a psychologist, I'm particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings. Our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on our well being."

Did you know that flower beds can also:

- Stop soil erosion and control hillside drainage. Terrace the hillside in parallel, flat rows, and place a flower bed on the downhill side of the terrace to catch water and redirect it straight into the ground. Related Info

- Attract beneficial garden insects. There are many flowers which attract "good" garden insects, like lady bugs, green lacewings, praying mantis and spiders. These garden workers help by pollinating plants and destroying the bad insects. Related Info

- Detour unwanted pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians like to take short cuts across lawns and through gardens. Install a raised flower bed with solid borders like rock, railroad ties, or decorative fencing to block their access and redirect their path. Related Info

- Serve as a walkway. Many flowers are excellent ground covers for dirt and mud walks. They tolerate foot traffic, and they never need mowing. Related Info

- Provide welcoming backdrops for outdoor family and social gatherings. Use flower beds to divide large parcels into cozy, livable nooks and spaces that naturally draw people to them.

- Help sell an unmarketable home and/or increase its value. Flowers give a house that "homey" feeling which appeals to buyers. Related Info

Since every flower bed has different growing conditions and since plants have specific

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