Bedding Plants

What is a bedding plant? There seems to be some disagreement over what plants are actually bedding plants. For the purposes of this hub the term bedding plant means plants that are annuals, biennials or perennials and used in borders or garden beds to add a splash of colour, especially in the spring and fall.

Annuals are plants which are grown from seed, produce flowers and seed and die in one growing season. Biennials complete their life span within 2 years and perennials last for 3 years or longer.

Bedding plants appeal to the gardener who wants to make some change each year or just wants to add a little something to that bare spot that is annoying. The use of bedding plants enlarges the gardener’s palette and adds a wide array of colour and shape so that anyone is able to find a plant or plants that are just right for their garden.

One of my favourite spring activities is to take a trip to the garden centre when it opens for the season to look ate what’s new and to enjoy the colours that greet winter weary eyes.

The possibilities are nearly endless and it all depends upon your imagination and sense of creativity. Bedding plants are often quite reasonable priced so you can experiment a little. In fact, this is the essence of inspiration, a broad palette to draw upon and the ability to change what you have done with relative ease and low cost.

If you do not like the way the plants look, you could move them to another location or you can wait until next year and replace them with another look.

Working with bedding plants can keep your creative eye alert and your mind sharp as you explore different combinations and possibilities.

A few well-place splashes of colour can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and add to the overall design.

You do not have to be planning to sell your house to benefit from an enhanced curb appeal. Well thought out design can add value to your property and can transform an ordinary lawn into a backdrop for that brilliant cutting garden.

Of course, there is a bit of work, after the selection has been made and the plants brought home.

I suggest you make a rough plan that shows what you are looking for, specifically colour, size and shape and then take a trip to the garden centre to see what they have. This is a great opportunity to be bold and try something new.

It is easy to overspend because the plants look so tempting in the garden centre, a plan will help you stay on budget and keep the job within reach.

You can always go back for more another day and this is one of the great beauties of working with bedding plants, you can add them through the growing season.

If you have ever been a bedding plant gardener, give it a chance. Is there a spot in your garden that would benefit from a bit of blue, or purple, how about a splash of red, magenta or bright yellow or orange?