August 1996
Annual beds can be some of the most exciting because they are usually planned for bold color impact. You can have several beds devoted to single, showy species including geraniums, dahlias, celosias, cockscomb, and plume celosias. A geranium bed can include old and new varieties of zonal types, as well as ivy-leaf geraniums as bedding plants. Dahlias can be started from either seed or tubers, so you may want to include a combination of plants derived from both. An "All-America" bed can contain species chosen for excellence in color, growth habit, and weather and pest resistance. All-America Selections from various years can be represented throughout the beds to combine newly introduced varieties with old favorites.
When planning the annual beds, it is intriguing to design what is refered to as "theme" beds. Because of increasing interest in water-conservative gardening, a bed of drought-tolerant annuals can include species of portulaca, amaranthus, and pennisetum. A favorite theme of many gardeners is "edible ornamentals." Plants can be considered for their culinary value, yet also be quite pleasing aesthetically. This bed can feature ornamental peppers, basils, and teddy bear sunflowers. Everlastings are usually a hit with gardeners who like to do their own floral designs. A combination of plants for an everlasting bed can include globe amaranth and strawflowers, as well as annual statice, eucalyptus, and annual baby's breath. A bed devoted to fragrant plants, such as scented geraniums and basils, is sure to please more than just your sense of smell.
By far, the most unusual approach to a theme bed would be the "vine" bed, with a focus on annual species, such as moon vine, black-eyed susan vine, and monastery bells, that are easy to grow, aggressive, and particularly attractive. Small structures can be erected to support the vines, and an annual groundcover can fill in any bare areas. This bed would undoubtedly be an eye-catcher! You might also consider trying an "interplant" bed by planting two species in a checkerboard pattern. The rationale is simple: some annuals flower early in the season, while others flower late, so two of these species together extend the season of color. You could plant yellow dwarf cosmos with red salvia or red snapdragons interplanted with dusty miller.
With the varieties of flowers available to gardeners, your only limit when designing an annual flower bed is your imagination!
(Originally published as "New Ideas in the Annual Beds," by Andrea R. Orvos, Horticulture Gardens Associate, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, in The Virginia Gardener Newsletter, Volume 8, Number 4.)