As fun as it can be to walk around and admire your garden, creating a cozy outdoor seating space will allow you even more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own yard. It's no wonder Pinterest is so excited about the garden nook trend, as it allows you to create your own snug space that's comfortably nestled among your favorite trees and flowers. This will allow you to both relax alone outside and entertain your friends and family in a unique space. Creating your own garden nook is as simple as following these easy steps: choosing the right location, deciding on the hardscape materials, buying the seating, and adding ideal plants.
Outdoor seating areas and garden furniture may date as far back as the Egyptians, so there are a variety of styles and time periods you can take inspiration from as you create your own nook. However, while your specific aesthetic can and should be reflected, don't forget practical considerations as well. Also consider what plants and materials work best in your climate. This will ensure you get the most use out of your garden nook and can enjoy it for years to come.
Choosing the best location and hardscape for your garden nook
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You may already have a perfect location for your garden nook picked out, but if not, survey your yard and find a space that meets your needs. Look for a flat area that isn't prone to flooding. Remember that you can and likely will add additional plants around the area, which can provide more wind or sun protection if necessary. You may also install a pergola, as they can be an affordable and stylish backyard upgrade that adds shade and provides a structure for climbing plants to grow up. Think about how you intend to use the space to decide how large of an area you'll need. If you simply want a private and peaceful outdoor area to drink your morning coffee, then you may only need a few feet of space, but if you hope to host garden parties, then a far larger garden nook may be necessary.
Once you've found the perfect location, consider what kind of material you want to use on the ground. Grass creates a beautiful and natural look, but it could be easily damaged by chairs and tables and the shade cast by them. Pavers or other stones are an elegant and classic solution, but they can be time-consuming to install and challenging to level if the pavers sink. Mulch or wood chips can be a practical solution, as long as you don't mind adding more as they begin to decompose.
Seating and plants for your garden nook
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Once you've found the ideal location and ground cover for your garden nook, it's time to buy the perfect outdoor furniture. As important as the look and style of the furniture is, it's even more important that it's comfortable and durable or else you're not likely to use your outdoor space often. How you plan to use your garden nook is also an important consideration for choosing furniture, as the pieces necessary for an outdoor workspace may be different from the furniture you'd want in a space used as an outdoor living room. Don't forget to check estate sales for outdoor furniture, as you can often find beautiful pieces at affordable prices there.
The final step to creating your garden nook is adding the plants. These plants can serve several purposes, including creating shade and shelter for your outdoor hideaway, providing a wind break or privacy screen, and adding natural beauty. Trees like arborvitae, which are hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, are fast growing and, in the right conditions, can quickly act as a living fence to protect you from wind and prying eyes. Large container plants can also provide some privacy and help bring your space together. If your favorite part of the garden is sharing it with wildlife, consider adding pollinator plants like bee balm or trumpet vine to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your nook as well.
Small backyards are just as great as huge backyards. While you might not have as much space for grilling, lounging, or playing as you would in a big backyard, you can still make the most out of your postage-stamp space by using it wisely. You can transform it by using clever landscaping tips and ideas which will help you use every inch of grass and pavement that you own.
These small backyard landscaping ideas will prove that you can have everything from rock gardens to Buckingham-Palace-worthy rose beds to charming lounging areas as long as you plan it out appropriately. You can make your small backyard feel bigger by incorporating certain plants and trees, and you can make it feel more organized by sectioning off space with hedges or iron arches. If you have a small plot of land and have been itching to give it a makeover, then you have come to the right place. Ahead are 50 of the most clever landscaping ideas for small backyards.
1. Surround yourself with lavender
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It's possible to create a welcoming atmosphere in your backyard, even if you have very little space to work with. Choose plants that are known for their scent, like lavender, to make the small yard feel cozy and delightful. Be sure to plant your lavender in an area that receives full sun.
Make your small backyard feel bigger by dividing it into different spaces using small hedges. The hedges will help you create an organized and tidy space and allow you to carve out a garden area that is separate from a lounging area.
3. Surround the space with shrubs
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If you don't want to commit to watering flower beds in your backyard weekly, then swap out the flowers for leafy bushes. Even though your space won't be a burst of colorful blooms, the different shades of green will create a peaceful space. Layer different heights of shrubs together to create a bushy yet inviting garden.
Make your small backyard feel like a palace courtyard by swapping out your grass for pebbles and creating a floral focal point in the middle of the yard. To get this look, add your choice of flowers in stone planters in the center, and incorporate stepping stones that ring out from the centerpiece.
While you can use small hedges as previously mentioned, you can also designate quarters throughout your yard by building a fence or two within the space. Create little "rooms" throughout with one section for your vegetable garden, another for your flowers, and another for a quiet lounge area.
If you like to keep things simple in your backyard, then focus on choosing one statement floral shrub, like a hydrangea bush, potentilla, azalea, or a blooming rhododendron. It will instantly attract the eye and bring something special to the space.
Create a sense of cohesiveness and outline your backyard with layered landscaping. You can include tall bushes in the back, a line of colorful flowers towards the rear, and colorful foliage plants. This will add depth and visual interest to your small space.
8. Add cobblestone pathways
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Make your small backyard feel like an English garden by adding cobblestone pathways. To really make the space feel cozy, flank the path with blooming flowers. This will give your yard a rustic yet quaint feel that's perfect for a quiet stroll.
While it might sound counterintuitive, filling a small space with oversized items can help make the area feel bigger. Try planting tall firs and large rose bushes into your small garden to create a statement backyard.
Make your small backyard look more attractive by carving out rounded edges and bowed corners to plant in. This will make the space feel more natural and look more appealing than planting flowers in straight lines along the fence.
Turn your backyard vegetable garden into a charming focal point by adding a wire arch. You can also add a bench, stool, or other seating options as well. Your vegetables' foliage will envelop the arch, creating a relaxing spot to sit in.
If you don't have a lot of grass or soil to work with, transform your backyard into a Japanese garden by incorporating bamboo, stone, and perhaps a lighting element like lanterns. You can also add a water fixture as well as a path leading up to your quiet haven.
Everyone loves gathering by a fire pit, so make that the focal point of your small backyard. Add landscaping around the lounge area by planting leafy bushes, blooming rose bushes, and metal arches covered in vines. You can add seating in the form of benches, Adirondack chairs, or other outdoor lounge furniture.
14. Create an organized vegetable garden
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If you want an elegant yet organized vegetable garden, try building vegetable beds out of brick rather than wood. The brick will add interesting visual appeal and will also help ensure your plants remain safe from foot traffic. You can also swap out the grass for beautifully paved sidewalks, stones, or gravel.
If you love lots of color, then create a backyard filled with annuals and perennials in rioting hues. These fun splashes of color will energize your small space and make it pop. You can try planting zinnias, pansies, hydrangeas, petunias, dahlias, tulips, or marigolds.
Add lots of drama to your backyard by planting a large bush of blooming rhododendrons. These blooms are easy to maintain and will add an elegant burst of color to make you feel like you're in a botanical garden. If you have pets however, you may want to think twice before planting as rhododendrons are known to be extremely toxic to our furry friends, per the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists.
17. Create a privacy fence
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If you don't have a lot of room in your backyard but want to make it feel quiet and personal, then make the most of your space by planting an attractive privacy fence. Use thuja to block out any surrounding neighbors.
Bring a touch of whimsy and romance to your backyard by creating a floral arch that will welcome you as it sits at your gate or patio entrance. You can use flowers like clematis, climbing hydrangeas, wisteria, or ivy to adorn your garden archway.
Transform your backyard from drab to charming by outlining the side of your house with bushes and flowers in one single hue. Choosing just one color for your flowers will look neat and uniform while drawing the eye toward the lovely pops of color throughout the space.
One of the fastest ways to add a touch of class to the side of your house is to plant an explosion of roses in the tight corridor. You can start planting as soon as the threat of frost has passed but be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
There is something special about a backyard with trees, even small ones, so if your own backyard doesn't have a tree, consider planting one. You can then set up a table and chairs underneath it for a charming dinner spot or plant some shade-loving plants around the base.
Turn your small backyard into a fantasy land by planting flowers and shrubs that attract hummingbirds. You can also section off the small garden by flanking it with wooden pathways. Some flowers that hummingbirds love include zinnias, salvias, bleeding hearts, trumpet creepers, lupines, and petunias.
Make your fence work for you by transforming it into a vertical garden. Attach small pots to the fence, and plant everything from herbs to vines in the planters. You can choose to plant anything from ferns, succulents, begonias, and pothos, to spider plants, strawberries, basil, and chives.
If you're lucky enough to have a deck in your small backyard, then make the space feel more inviting by planting leafy greens around it. You will love watching your flowers bloom and shrubs grow from the comfort of your deck chair.
Make your backyard stand out from the rest by creating small islands of flowers and shrubs across your lawn. These small pops of colorful blooms will create a beautiful and unique touch to your space. Create uniformity by planting the same shrubs and flowers on each island, or mix it up and add some variety.
Create a moon garden in your backyard surrounded by white flowers that will glow underneath the moonlight. You can also include flowers that bloom at night such as four o'clocks, evening primrose, or angel's trumpets. Include some large white stepping stones as well as white gravel to add a unique touch. Finish your moon garden by adding some well-placed lanterns or fairy lights.
You don't have to live near a lake or ocean to enjoy the water. Simply install a small pond in your backyard! While this option will require some upkeep to keep it clean, it will add some quiet elegance to your yard.
28. Add planters
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Add some symmetry to your backyard by planting your flowers inside a row of identical planters. It will add a cohesive aesthetic and a modern touch to your space. You can choose to plant the same flowers in the same color in the planters for true uniformity, different colored flowers of the same species, or incorporate completely different flowers in each planter.
29. Create a secret garden
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You don't need a lot of space to turn your yard into a secret garden. In fact, a small space lends itself perfectly to the sense of quiet solitude that encapsulates this peaceful oasis. You can create a pathway lined with beautiful flowers and shrubs that lead to a small sitting area surrounded by various flowers to give it a cozy, insulated feeling.
Make the most of your backyard by transforming it into a place of relaxation. Dedicate a spot to a bench, and then surround it with leafy bushes and growing vines. You can also install a soothing water feature if you have the room.
31. Insect repellants
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Surround your seating area with plants that help repel pesky bugs like flies and mosquitoes. Citronella, lemon balm, and marigolds grow well in containers or landscaping beds. If you want to create space that does double duty, plant aromatic culinary herbs like basil and rosemary that you can harvest as needed for meals. Even catnip is a good choice and your kitties will appreciate this addition to your outdoor space.
32. Structural boxwoods
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Add artful interest to your garden by planting boxwoods. These hardy shrubs can be pruned into different shapes, which you can leave to the professionals or take the time to learn this new skill. Whether you like vertical spirals or neat round circles, boxwoods are as flexible as you are creative. Use one or two of these natural sculptures as a focal point, or add a whole row for a fence.
33. Add some shade
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Even in a small garden, a space that is overwhelmingly sunny can be unusable during the hottest part of the summer. There are many ways to add shade, but for a simple and inexpensive DIY project, you can install a shade sail. These items come in different sizes and can be attached to your home or posts to provide shade anywhere you need it. Shade sails come in multiple sizes in square, rectangle, or triangle shapes.
34. Pollinator paradise
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Make a section of your backyard an oasis for pollinators by planting some of their favorite sources of nectar. Host plants for butterflies include dill, parsley, and passionflower. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all appreciate zinnias, hyssop, and coneflowers. Choose a selection of wildflowers appropriate for your region to attract the most pollinators and make sure you have a variety of plants that bloom from spring through fall.
35. Install hardscaping
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If weeding, mowing, and pruning is not your favorite task, a small backyard with a lot of hardscaping can save a lot of time and energy. This is a particularly good option if you live in a region that experiences frequent droughts. Hardscaping includes anything that is not plant-based, like patios and other structures, as well as walkways. Consider combining river rock with ornamental grasses for a drought and weed-resistant landscape.
36. Plant bird-friendly trees
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Backyard birders can attract even more of these feathered beauties to a small backyard without taking up too much space. Holly trees and bushes are a favorite of the stunning cedar waxwing, and many birds enjoy crabapples throughout the season. Neither of these trees gets very large at maturity, and there are cultivated and native varieties available to meet your specific space requirements.
37. Raised beds
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In spaces where the soil is less than ideal, raised beds can offer a beautiful place for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers without digging through compacted soil or rocks. This type of planter also adds height and interest to a small backyard with the flexibility to plant almost anything you want. And for those with mobility issues, raised beds make the joy of gardening more accessible.
38. Support monarchs
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Anyone with just a little outdoor space can help support monarchs by planting milkweed, the host plant for these beautiful butterflies. Create a safe corner in your yard to provide food for monarch larvae and help increase their dwindling population by selecting milkweed varieties that are appropriate for your region. Many types of milkweed are hardy throughout the U.S., but be sure to check your USDA hardiness zone and select the best option for your yard.
39. Create an outdoor kitchen
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Sharing a meal in the beautiful outdoors with friends and family is easier when you are not constantly making trips back inside. Create your own mini outdoor kitchen with a grill, a surface for food preparation, and a small refrigerator. You can even build your own sink or purchase one made for camping for a fully functioning kitchen outside.
40. Add a fountain
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The sound of flowing water adds to the serenity of being outside, but it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. You can make your own simple fountain with a cheap solar water pump, which requires no electricity or water connection. Or, you can purchase a premade fountain to install anywhere you have space on a wall or in the corner of your patio.
41. Memorial space
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Sometimes it's nice to take a moment to spend time fondly remembering loved ones and pets that have passed on. You can create your own small memorial space in your garden by placing a sitting area in a pleasant spot in your yard. This is a wonderful place to add memorial plaques, stepping stones, or statues. Any time you need to get away, visit your memorial garden to take a few deep breaths and express gratitude for those you have loved.
42. Create a yoga space
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If you love yoga and have a flat, unused space in your backyard, create your own private space to practice. Combining the relaxing elements of yoga with fresh air and the sounds of nature can compound the benefits. Those with noisy — or nosey — neighbors may not benefit from an outdoor yoga spot, but if you have a bit of privacy and a quiet neighborhood, you can make your own dreamy space for your daily routine.
43. Space for a hammock
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Spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at home is even better when you have a comfy place outdoors to snooze or simply relax. There are many types and styles of hammocks from which to choose. If you want to cuddle with your partner, double hammocks are available. Regardless of if your style is Boho or you adore bright stripes, you'll find something you like. And you don't need trees to have a hammock, some styles come specifically made to use with a freestanding frame.
44. Make a reading nook
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Reading nooks are not just for indoor spaces. You can create a cozy spot in your yard by adding a hanging chair from a tree or reclining in zero-gravity outdoor seating. You just need a comfy seat in a shady spot. You can add a few outdoor pillows to curl up with as you enjoy your favorite pastime.
45. A place for pets
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Dogs need to potty somewhere, but that doesn't mean they have to go everywhere. Make the most of your small yard by designating a space for your pup to do their business. With a little time and training, you won't have to worry about stepping on something unpleasant while enjoying your outdoor space. And, you can keep your yard looking lovely since you won't have to deal with spots of dead grass.
46. Use vines to hide an unsightly fence
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Perhaps you love your yard, but you're stuck being surrounded by an ugly fence. New fencing is pricey, but you can save money by hiding it with vines. Perennials like coral honeysuckle or clematis are beautiful options, although they take a while to grow. You can combine perennial vines with annuals like scarlet runner beans or morning glories to get privacy this year as you wait for long-term coverage. Not only will you replace your unsightly fence with beautiful greenery, but you will also get some extra privacy.
47. Take the dining room outside
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Expand the size of your home by putting a dining room on a covered patio. You will need a seating area along with a weather-resistant cabinet to use as a buffet for serving and storage. This is a fun way to get creative in your outdoor space using old furniture that is painted or sealed to make the area feel extra cozy.
48. Make a year-round space
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Enjoy your yard year-round by adding propane heaters near your seating area. The days may grow shorter in the winter, but that's just more time for stargazing! Imagine yourself curled up on your back porch with a cozy blanket, a heater, and a nice cup of cocoa as you enjoy the beauty of a crisp evening.
49. Add a gazebo
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If your small backyard is lacking a covered space, you can add a gazebo to make it more useful on sunny days. They are also nice to have if you are planning an outdoor family get-together and the weather does not cooperate. There are gazebos to fit any budget, from a basic canvas-topped option available at most big box stores to a handcrafted one built by a professional.
50. DIY stepping stones
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Stepping stones are a great way to establish paths in your outdoor space. Sure, you can buy plain pavers at the store, but you can also make your own fun and unique stepping stones. This is a fun project for older kids and adults. Add colorful stones, paint, handprints, and words to wet cement in a mold to make family memories a permanent part of your yard.
Most gardeners out there are looking for different ways to spice up their garden, whether by introducing new plants, adding fun and bright decor, or uniquely trimming and shaping their current trees. The AARP also says that gardeners experience a number of different health benefits, including increased levels of vitamin D, a decreased risk of dementia, lower levels of stress, and a gentle way of exercising. A hobby that allows you to be out in nature and safely soak up the sun is an activity that you probably won't get bored of. As you work on ideas to change up your garden, there are many designs and ideas to choose from.
Flower beds are a great way to keep your beautiful flowers in order and create a colorful effect. Harder and Warner says a flower bed could even help add value to your property. This is because when people are buying homes, oftentimes, they take a look at the condition of their yard and if it's been well-maintained. Creating a flower bed can also help the environment, and cleanses the air to refresh your senses. The roots also help keep the soil healthy while also preventing erosion. Let's take a look at some beautiful ideas for your flower bed!
Laying down a stone wall will not only keep your flower bed nice and orderly, but it can help create a fun and wavy shape. This way, you can easily section it off into a part of the yard that looks best.
If you have the backyard space, then take that chance to cover it with flower beds if you want to spread color. This is a beautiful way to organize how you'd like the color to travel.
Brighten up your home by lining it with colorful flower beds. Not only will it be eye-catching, but this technique could spread a pleasant smell across your yard.
Some first-time gardeners may believe that gardens can only be in the backyard. However, adding a flower bed in the front yard with colorful flowers will show off your green thumb and creative personality.
Creating a flower bed by your stone steps can create a beautiful and bright path. It can be an impressive design similar to a fairytale if done correctly.
It may be tempting to multiply one type of flower in a flower bed, but using a variety of flowers can create a more impactful design. There may be a color on your house or porch that could be fun and interesting to incorporate into your flower bed for a more harmonious design.
In a single flower bed, it is also possible to section off one part with soil and the other with stone. This way, you can combine various types of plants that have different growing needs.
Incorporating a variety of succulents into a flower bed can create a colorful design of different sizes and shapes. This type of flower bed can especially easy to create for those who live in warmer and dryer climates.
A flower bed does not only have to consist of just flowers. Incorporating something such as this bright red trunk is unique, and it adds more bright colors. As seen in the photo, the trunk can also be a stunning way to add more flowers.
Your yard does not have to be limited to one flower bed style. In fact, you may have to create different styles of flower beds to ensure there is balance and a sort of rhythm that moves your eyes from one point of the yard to another.
Create a relaxing sanctuary with your flower bed by incorporating statues or other things your find relaxing. You can design it however you like with whatever flowers you believe are the most calming.
Create a focal point with your flower bed by first choosing what you'd like to stand out in your yard. You can do this by circling the flower bed around it to bring more color to the item while extenuating its current features.
If you're unsure which colors to combine to create your flower bed, take a look at a color wheel to study which colors are complementary. Pink and orange go well together because they are in the same section of the color wheel.
If your backyard is full of concrete or other hard materials, adding a colorful flower bed can add a touch of life to your yard. This can prevent your yard from looking too cold and bland, and this design also doesn't flood your yard with flowers either.
This flower bed has a pattern that contains a certain amount of flowers between each tree. This can create more interest as the trees work to break off each section of flowers while also maintaining a consistent design.
Incorporating bricks into your flower bed can be a great way to complete a rustic or cottage design. This type of design can be perfectly executed if used with distressed red brick or neutral-colored bricks.
If your yard is prone to rodents, building an elevated platform for your flower bed may be the best idea. This can be done with wood, brick, or concrete — whichever would work depending on the type of design you're going for.
If you're having trouble deciding which type of flower bed design works best for your garden, it's always a good idea to get some inspiration. You can do this by walking through parks and noting the fabricated shapes and materials used.
Multiple flower beds seen here are incorporated into a yard where multiple elements of nature reside, such as water and stone. Not only is this design a great way to bring in several designs of nature, but it is also a way to invite friendly creatures, such as birds and butterflies.
To keep your flower bed healthy and safe, place it in an enclosed space such as a greenhouse. There, you can control the temperature of the space, as well as how much light it receives.
For those who want to create a small flower bed with minimal maintenance may want to look into different ways to make their flower bed unique. Placing your flower bed in something like a bird bath with catch the eyes of your guests, as it stands out because of its height and color.
If you're a fan of a specific flower, such as roses, it may be wise to think of ways to incorporate different types of that flower throughout your garden. In this flower bed design, they created a consistent design of roses around the perimeter while also extending them up into the trees.
Experiment with different plants until you create the design best suited for your needs. It may be easier to pick one or two flowers you're sure will match, but creating a flower bed with plants you weren't sure would go well together could create the design you truly imagined.
Having bugs in and around your home, garden, patio, or yard can be frustrating. Not to mention, they're especially hard to get rid of. While powerful, inexpensive insecticides can help eliminate these nuisances, they can also introduce harmful chemicals into your living space.
Looking for a natural way to get rid of bugs and other pesky critters? Then know that many flowers offer protection against them. According to the Malaria Journal, certain plants and flowers contain compounds that insects find toxic, resulting in an effective repellent that can keep them out of your garden or home. Ultimately, this will mean seeing fewer pests, such as mosquitos, fleas, cockroaches, flies, and more, all year long.
So, if you want to enjoy your time indoors or outdoors without annoying insects, there are plenty of blossoms out there that may be the solution you're looking for. Whether you're a novice or someone with a green thumb, you'll be sure to find the right bug-repelling flowering plant in this comprehensive guide.
1. Alliums
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According to The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, Alliums (Allium) can help you keep aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, and more out of your garden. This is a result of the strong odor of onion and sulfur they release, which is pungent to insects but not humans. The bloom season for Alliums, which can grow 6 to 12 inches tall, is late spring to early summertime, and they grow best in USDA growing zones 3 to 9. In order for Alliums to grow, they require full sunlight and well-draining soil.
2. Petunias
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Petunias (Petunias) are a well-known flower type that many gardeners recognize. In addition to looking beautiful, they can also ward off insects. According to the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Petunias require plenty of water, sunlight, and sandy soil to keep them healthy. They can also be grown in different environments within USDA growing zones 10 and 11. The bloom season for petunias, which grow up to 18 inches tall and spread 4 feet wide, begins during spring and ends in the winter.
3. Marigolds
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Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are extremely popular during the fall in many different cultures, and research conducted by North Carolina State University also suggests they can be used to manage the growth and reproduction of nematodes. As a result, you can keep the nematode population in your garden under control. To ensure your marigolds are healthy, make sure they receive direct sunlight, have enough room to grow, and are watered when their soil is completely dry. Marigolds, which bloom from early summer to late fall, require loamy soil and thrive in USDA growing zones 2 to 11.
4. Floss flowers
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Floss flowers (Ageratum houstonianum) are purple-blue blooms that can repel pesky insects. While the toxic compound found in Blueminks can be especially valuable during seasons when mosquitoes are most active, it can also cause harm if ingested. According to Garden Design, the blooms can cause liver lesions in grazing animals. Floss flowers require full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil that's rich. The bloom season of Floss flowers, which can grow up to 36 inches tall and 18 inches wide, is from mid-summer to fall. They thrive in USDA growing zones 2 to 11.
5. Lavender
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Lavender (Lavendula spp.) provides a delightful fragrance that can also ward off bugs, specifically when made into an essential oil. Mosquito Reviews states that essential oil made from lavender contains linalool, a potent compound that's repulsive to mosquitos. Their bloom season begins in late spring and can end in late fall, and this flower can grow up to 24 inches tall and wide. Lavender plants thrive in USDA growing zones 5 to 9 and in well-draining soil that's slightly acidic. While they must receive full sunlight daily, they don't require frequent watering.
6. Geraniums
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Geraniums (Pelargonium) are easy-to-grow flowers that can keep mosquitos, beetles, and other pests away. For this reason, Geranium extract is commonly found in natural insect repellents, such as sprays and candles (via Garden Guides). The bloom season for Geraniums begins in spring and typically ends in fall. This flower grows best in USDA growing zones 9 to 12. Caring for Geraniums is simple since they can withstand periods of infrequent watering. Simply make sure your blooms receive plenty of sunlight and are planted in rich loam soil.
7. Nasturtiums
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Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum spp.) bloom from summer to fall and can assist with pest control in your garden. According to Cochise County Master Gardeners, Nasturtiums may repel aphids, Mexican bean and striped pumpkin beetles, potato and squash bugs, and whiteflies. For best results, plant them near your vegetable crops (they're edible) and ensure they receive plenty of direct sunlight. You'll want to regularly water Nasturtiums, but avoid overwatering. It's also a good idea to plant them in USDA growing zones 8 to 10 and in loamy soil. These flowers can bloom up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
8. Hyssop
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Hyssops (Hyssopus officinalis) are great companion flowers to keep away cabbage moths and flea beetles (via Brigham Young University). Hyssops typically bloom during late summer and fall, thriving in USDA growing zones 4 to 9. Hyssop flowers require a lot of sunlight and well-draining soil with high-quality fertilizer. Make sure to check the moisture of the soil regularly to determine whether your flower needs water. These types of flowers can grow up to almost 2 feet tall.
9. Chrysanthemums
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Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.) flowers can be used to deter insects. If you're constantly bugged by mosquitos, fleas, flies, moths, or ants, mums may help ward them off since some naturally contain pyrethrin, a potent pesticide (via National Pesticide Information Center). Chrysanthemums will typically grow from late summer to early fall. Make sure to plant them in USDA growing zones 5 to 9 where they can receive full sunlight and regular watering. They'll also need nutrient-rich soil and may grow up to 3 feet tall.
10. Feverfew
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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) can be used as an effective bug repellent to remove any mosquitos, gnats, ticks, and fleas (via Candide). These flowers are often mistaken for daisies and are part of the chrysanthemum family. The bloom season for Feverfew flowers typically occurs from summer to fall. In order for them to grow, they should be planted in USDA growing zones 5 to 10 and in well-draining, loamy soil. They also require direct sunlight and moderate watering. You can expect them to grow 8 to 24 inches tall.
11. Dahlias
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If you're looking for something to free your garden of nematodes, dahlias (Dahlia pinnata) may be the best flower option. Dahlias not only are beautiful, but they're also extremely helpful in getting rid of these types of pests. Dahlias can bloom during the summertime and fall in USDA growing zones 8 to 10. According to ProFlowers, this flower requires six hours or more of full sunlight daily and weekly waterings. Dahlias also thrive in well-draining soil. In the right conditions, they can grow up to 4 to 5 feet tall.
12. Rosemary
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Rosemary (Salviarosmarinus) is a type of shrub with bright-colored blooms that not only smell amazing but also have powerful pest control properties. In fact, Earth's Ally states that the strong fragrance released from this flowering plant can keep insects away. Rosemary plants, which grow up to 3 tall and 4 feet wide, can bloom any time of the year, often lasting from spring to fall. It's best to plant this aromatic herb in USDA growing zones 8 to 9 and give them well-draining soil and full sunlight daily.
13. Four o'clock plants
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Four o'clock plants (Mirabilis jalapa) are a type of perennial bloom. While many sources suggest that these flowers repel insects, it's important to note they're also toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Despite this, a few flowering shrubs can be a great addition to your garden for pest control. Four o'clock plants require full sunlight and can grow up to 3 feet tall in the summer and fall, as long as certain conditions are met. For example, they thrive in well-draining soil in USDA growing zones 7 to 10.
14. Pennyroyal
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Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a species of mint with small purple or lilac blooms. While pleasantly aromatic for humans, pennyroyal can be used to repel several pests, including mosquitos, ticks, and fleas, due to their strong smell (via Cape Gazette). Pennyroyals grow in the summer and fall up to 6 inches tall. For best results, plant them in USDA growing zones 5 to 9, and make sure they receive partial sunlight and enough water to keep their rich, fertile soil moist.
15. Pyrethrum
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Pyrethrum (Pyrethrum) is a flower that's part of the daisy family. National Geographic considers this bloom one of the deadliest for insects and a lifeline to farmers. This is because the yellow center of the flower contains a strong ingredient known as pyrethrin, which paralyzes bugs. Pyrethrum flowers often bloom from spring to summer, growing up to 24 inches tall. Their USDA growing zone falls between 4 and 10. To cultivate this flower, you'll need high-quality, well-draining soil, and regular watering weekly. Make sure not to overwater this bloom, though.