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Start with the bones and the back
Begin with structure — an evergreen, a shrub or a tall grass — and anchor the back of the border with taller plants. These give the border form and interest even before the flowers arrive, and year-round presence.
Landscaping6 min read
How to design a garden border
A well-planned border looks effortless, but it's all in the layout. Here's the simple method for a great one.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
The secret to a beautiful border isn't having every plant you like — it's how you arrange them. A little planning around height, season and repetition turns a collection of plants into a cohesive, eye-catching display.
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Layer front to back for depth
Place low, spreading plants at the front, mid-height perennials in the middle and the tallest at the back. This layering hides gaps, gives each plant room and creates the depth that makes a border feel well designed.
3
Plan for a long flowering season
Choose plants with different flowering times so something is in bloom through the season rather than everything at once. Repeat key plants in groups or drifts to tie the whole border together.
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Repeat and soften
Repeating a few hero plants across the border creates rhythm and unity. Add grasses and loose, self-seeding plants to soften the edges, and let the planting mingle naturally rather than sitting in stiff rows.
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