By Jessica Carlson

Master Gardener

Winter is a good time to think about new garden ideas. This year I am starting from scratch with the perennial gardens at my new home, so I have been spending time reading garden books and sketching ideas for future beds. I enjoy looking at photos of famous mixed borders in England and thinking about how those ideas might translate into a Minnesota yard. I am inspired by the borders at Great Dixter, and the gardens at Sissinghurst Castle and Hidcote Manor. Although our climate is much colder the idea behind a mixed border works here as well.

A mixed border simply means combining bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and sometimes small trees in one planting area where the goal is to have layers of plants and something interesting happening throughout most of the growing season.

Mixed borders are great for areas viewed from one or two sides, like fences, property lines, walkways, or lawn edges. They also suit spaces beside houses, patios, or driveways where varied plant heights can be displayed.

When creating a new garden bed, begin by observing how much sunlight the area gets at different times of day. Full sun means at least six hours of direct light; partial sun is 3–6 hours; part shade is about 2–4 hours of morning sun with shade in the afternoon. Both partial sun and part shade locations need shelter from harsh midday rays. Trees, buildings, and fences can alter sunlight levels. Knowing your garden’s sun exposure helps you select suitable plants.

The next step is a soil test, which identifies your soil’s pH and missing nutrients. Collect a sample, mail it in, and you will receive improvement recommendations. This helps you avoid unnecessary fertilizer use. Visit your local extension office for a form and shipping details.

After assessing your soil, mow the area short and cover it with cardboard or newspaper to block weeds. Add 4–6 inches of compost, leaf mulch, or garden soil on top. Plant by pushing aside the cardboard where needed. As it decomposes, it attracts earthworms and enriches the soil.

Once your site is prepared, plan your plants for year-round interest. Plant hardy bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, and tulips in fall for early spring color. As temperatures rise, perennials such as peonies, coneflowers, bee balm, phlox, Black Eyed Susan, and daylilies will bloom. Grouping the same plant throughout the border creates a tidy look, and dividing perennials every few years lets you fill gaps without extra cost. Add shrubs and small trees like hydrangeas, ninebark, hardy roses, or a crabapple or serviceberry tree for structure and seasonal flowers. Many of these plants also attract pollinators and birds. Coneflowers, asters bee balm, and liatris are favorites for bees and butterflies. Leaving seed heads standing in the fall gives birds something to eat as the weather cools. 

Consider adding a mixed border or even a small planting along a fence or walkway to provide flowers, color, and interest from early spring through fall.