By Adnan Younis, Dr. Atif Riaz and Dr. Muhammad Nadeem, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan
Annual flowers are non-woody plants that complete their life cycle in one season, ending with seed production. Annual flowering plants can be propagated through seeds, unlike many biennials and perennials. They are thus best suited to environments that have a short growing season. Annual flowers can play an imperative role in a well-designed landscape and are an excellent way to draw attention to building and home entrances, walkways and outdoor living spaces and to provide homeowners and visitors with pleasing welcome.
Selection of flowers for garden needs a careful attention and should be carried out on the basis of plant height, color of flowers, nature of growth, and type of environment they need. Typically, a flower border has the tallest plants in the back, medium height plants in the middle and short plants in the front. The style of the annual bed should be compatible with the overall style of your landscape design. Plantation can be done either in a formal or informal design, depending on the arrangement of the planting. In formal designs are made up of geometric lines and symmetry, with strong focal points that attract the eye. In contrast, informal designs have curved, flowing lines and natural forms, follow natural terrain and create an asymmetrical balance within the planting.
Before planting flowers, the physical characteristics of the site must be evaluated. Check the site's soil type, fertility status, drainage and its exposure to sun and wind. Compare site characteristics with specific plant requirements. An annual plant adapted to site conditions grows and flowers more vigorously and has fewer pest problems. Some plants intolerant of heat and sun may perform adequately when planted in part shade. Annual flowers offer flexibility in landscape design and planting can be changed each growing season, creating an entirely new design. As a part of their quick change potential, annuals are called “Temporary Visitors” of Garden.
Designing a garden with plants exhibiting many different colors requires some coordination and color schemes. Consider the color of the house and any other fixed structures such as fences or utility buildings. Pink flowers can be used against a brick walls with orange tones would not produce a pleasant combination. Mostly it is more recommended to use masses of a single color instead of mixing colors in flowering beds because a mass planting of a single color or planting in bands of colors will produce a stronger impact.
It is important to look location and how the flowers will be viewed from different angles. Bright colors stand out, while dark colors fade into the background. Bright colors catch attention to an area, so do not use red and yellow flowers near an eyesore or unattractive area. Bright colors seem closer, while dark colors make the area appear further away. White is the last color to fade from sight as darkness falls and thus is good for areas used at night.
About author: Dr. Adnan Younis is Assistant Professor in Floriculture & Landscape Horticulture at Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan. He got his Ph.D degree frm UAF Pakistan and Post Doc from USA. He is very active in teaching, research, seminars, writing, landscaping and a lot of other activities at national and international level.
Contact: adnanyounis1976@yahoo.com
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