Garden that blooms
How to lay out the garden according to flower preferences
Planning a garden is a bit like assembling a mosaic – every spot has its own conditions, and every plant its own needs. For ornamental beds to truly thrive, it’s essential to understand the light, soil, and moisture requirements of each flower. In this article, you’ll learn how to structure your garden, what to plant where, and how to get the most out of each location – whether you’re planning a flower bed in the yard, a balcony arrangement, or a raised planter.

Flowers for direct sun: Bright spots bursting with color
Zahradní partie orientované na jih nebo jihozápad poskytují dostatek světla, které ocení teplomilné zahradní květiny. Ideálními kandidáty pro květiny na přímé slunce jsou druhy, které dobře snášejí sucho a milují teplo. A je pravda, že některé květiny by si nejradši pořídily lehátko, nasadily sluneční brýle a opalovaly se po celý den.
South or southwest-facing parts of the garden offer plenty of light - just what sun-loving plants adore. Ideal candidates for full-sun spots are varieties that tolerate drought well and thrive in the heat. Honestly, some of these flowers seem like they’d happily grab a deck chair, put on sunglasses, and sunbathe all day long.
Which are they?
- Lavandula angustifolia is a fragrant minimalist beauty that thrives in dry, sunny spots. Bonus? It attracts bees and repels mosquitoes.
- Gazania is a true sun worshipper - it literally only opens in direct sunlight. Cloudy day? It stays shut like an introvert at a party.
- Pelargonium is a classic of balcony railings. Give it sun and an occasional drink, and it’ll bloom happily all the way to autumn.
- Portulaca is a desert native that’s as low-maintenance as they come. Forget to water? No problem. It stores moisture in its fleshy leaves.
- Tulipa needs full sun and well-drained soil to shine.
- Tagetes erecta loves sunlight and is wonderfully unfussy. The more sun it gets, the more blooms it gives!
Tip: Sunny garden beds pair beautifully with aromatic herbs like Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, or Salvia officinalis. The blend of beauty and usefulness never gets old.

Outdoor flowers for shade – a.k.a. Green Introverts
While some plants crave the spotlight, these prefer the shade. They know how to create a cozy vibe in corners where you might not expect blooms at all. Shady spots under trees, along north-facing walls, or behind the house don’t have to stay empty. In these areas, go for plants with varied leaf shapes and textures - you’ll get a visually interesting effect even without a sea of flowers. There are plenty of outdoor plants that thrive in low-light conditions.
- Begonia – delicate, graceful, yet surprisingly tough. Give it shade and moist soil, and it’ll turn a dark corner into a blooming oasis.
- Impatiens – a bit sensitive to drought, but in the shade with regular watering, it transforms into a charming, colorful carpet.
- Hosta – a green diva with hundreds of leaf shapes and shades. Like living wallpaper that adds style to any shady space.
- Hydrangea – its oversized blooms light up shady or semi-shady corners near fences or walls.
Moisture Lovers that thrive on dew and garden ponds
Got a spot in your garden where water tends to linger? Perfect! That’s exactly where moisture-loving plants will feel right at home.
- Astilbe – fluffy flower clouds that love shade and moisture. Like a soft mist floating through the understory.
- Iris – a colorful elegant presence, perfect for pond edges or damp garden beds.
- Trollius – a bit mysterious, but stunning in warm yellow tones - and happiest with its feet in the water.
- Primula – a jewel of early spring that thrives in higher humidity and adds cheerful color when little else is in bloom.
Tip: Ferns and moisture-loving grasses are great additions to damp spots—they help create a garden with the feel of a woodland pond.

Drought? No stress
Some flowers are like zen masters. They know that less can be more - and that dryness has its own kind of magic. Plants with deep roots and fleshy leaves thrive in dry, sunny spots. These species handle drought with ease and are perfect for low-maintenance areas of the garden. Use them in rock gardens, on dry slopes, or along walkways. They’ll appreciate good drainage and a bit of space.
What to plant in dry places?
- Sedum is a true survival expert - sun-loving, drought-tolerant, and brilliant at creating beautiful textures.
- Thymus vulgaris and Thymus not only smell amazing and bloom richly, but they can also double as garnish for your plate.
- Echinacea is a prairie beauty that stands strong against heat and drought, all while attracting butterflies.
- Nepeta cataria is hardy, bee-friendly, and perfect for edging beds with a soft, natural look.
Flower boxes for the sun and balconies full of color
A balcony or terrace can be just as vibrant as a full garden - you just need to choose the right box flowers based on its orientation. Mix trailing, upright, and fragrant varieties. Combine shapes, scents, and colors, and you’ll turn your balcony into a dreamy mini garden.
What to choose according to orientation?
- Decorate a south-facing balcony with Pelargonium, Petunia, Surfinia, or Portulaca. What do they have in common? They love sunshine - and a bit of drama.
- A north-facing balcony will glow with the elegance of shade lovers like Begonia, Fuchsia, and Impatiens.
- Fill hanging boxes with Bacopa, Lobelia, and trailing Verbena. Elevated above the ground, they'll shine like a cascade of color from the sky.

Raised Bed: Beauty and Function in one place
Vyvýšený záhon je nejen estetickým prvkem, ale také praktickým řešením pro pěstování náročnějších druhů nebo pro ty, kteří chtějí šetřit záda. Díky možnosti ovlivnit kvalitu půdy a odvodnění se do něj hodí i květiny, které jinak trpí přemokřením, nebo naopak suchem.
Raised beds are not only a visual highlight but also a practical solution for growing more demanding plants - or for gardeners looking to spare their backs. Because you can control soil quality and drainage, it's perfect even for flowers that would otherwise struggle with too much moisture - or too little.
What to plant in it?
- Tropaeolum – both edible and ornamental, it repels aphids and looks fantastic doing it.
- Calendula officinalis – a hardy, healing plant that thrives in loose, fertile soil.
- Hyssopus – along with other aromatic herbs, it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Tip: If slugs are a problem in your area, a raised beds helps protect your plants from them. It also allows for more precise watering and reduces weed growth.
When flowers find their place, they bloom effortlessly
A blooming garden isn’t just about colors and fragrance. It’s about harmony - between nature and people, sun and shade, dryness and dew. When you give plants what they need, they’ll reward you with beauty that surprises you every morning.
