Yes, Spring has finally sprung! With all this rain I have to keep reminding myself that April showers will certainly be bringing May flowers this year! So we thought it would be fun to do a little blog on the outdoors since a lot of us are a little itchy to get out. So what flowers will make a design statement and also give you a nice whiff?
What are some of the best plants to look for?
Low mounding flowers allow you to keep the path you have created open and then long architecturally shaped flowers are good for further back in the beds to keep your eyes drawn up.
Lack of spikes and thorns:
Be conscious that people will be walking down your path so you will want to make sure whatever you put down your path will not scratch or snag.
Due to the reliability and long flowering season, flower carpet roses are a great option.
Nothing is better than walking down a pathway and smelling the fresh floral aroma. Consider plants such as mintbush (Prostanthera ovalifolia), scented-leaf geranium (Pelargonium domesticum) in scents of lemon, rose and mint, or the amazing lavenders,which pack a double design punch for having fragrant flowers and foliage.
Don’t forget that there will be some trampling that will take place along these walkways so you will also want to consider a hardy and resilient bush. If you are looking to put something in between pavers also consider a nice aromatic foliage between stepping stones or flagstone pavers. The fragrance is released when the plants are stepped on. Look at plants such as low-creeping thyme, Pratia pedunculata or Corsican mint (Mentha requienii).
Look for something with a long flowering season. This might seem obvious but is easily overlooked and especially important if you want to plant in mass. Look for plants that are easy to care for but produce flowers for at least two seasons or bloom repeatedly.
Herbs are also a great addition to a path! Not only do they look good, but you can easily access them for culinary creations on your way through.
No mater what you pick for your path, make it an adventure of the senses!
Photos courtesy of HOUZZ