Today I’m sharing how I connected two of my existing flower beds together. There is one in the front and one on the side. I wanted to create one large garden bed in my side yard for cohesion and curb appeal. This budget friendly landscaping project took me less than 2 hours and instantly improved the flow of our yard.
Why Connect Flower Beds?
One reason to connect existing garden beds is for higher curb appeal on a low budget. It also helps with the look of your side garden while providing more room to be creative in the garden.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Creates the look of a cohesive garden
- Boosts curb appeal
- Provides more room for planting and growing
- Requires less lawn maintenance
- Easy to maintain each year with mulch for clean look
- Has more room for whimsical items like stepping stones and birdbaths
Whether you’re creating a cottage garden like me, or just want easier yard maintenance, English garden, or simply updating your landscaping on a budget, this project makes a dramatic difference.
Step 1: Draw Out the New Garden Bed
First, decide where the of the garden bed will connect and mark it somehow. I used spray paint from the garage to roughly draw out the border and to outline exactly where I would need to dig. I’ll use edging stone to create the new part the garden bed.
It doesn’t have to be perfectly straight, so don’t worry if it looks a little funny. Try using curves to make the landscaping soft and more natural that harsh straight lines.
Walk around your outline from different angles before moving on to make sure you’re happy with the overall shape.
Step 2: Suffocate the Grass with Cardboard
Once I was happy with the shape, it was time to get rid of the grass. I have no desire to dig in the Alabama heat of Summer, so I used a no dig method where I covered the entire grassy area with flattened cardboard boxes.
Lucky I am an avid Amazon shopper so I had plenty of cardboard to choose from in my recycling bin.
Cardboard is a great way to kill existing grass and weeds without digging or using harsh chemicals. Over time, it will naturally break down into the soil while helping to smother weeds. Overlap the pieces on the ground over the grass so no ground is showing.
Step 3: Soak the Cardboard
Next, use a garden hose to thoroughly soak the grass. I mean, soak it and soak it some more.
This step is important because wet cardboard stays in place easier and breaks down faster. It also helps with adding the next layer to the garden bed.
Step 4: Dig the New Garden Edge
Using a half moon edging shovel, dig along the marked edge line from the front where it touches the grass and back where it touches the cardboard.
Digging along both sides creates a crispy, defined edge to your garden bed. It also is a barrier from mulch and dirt spilling out.
Once the line is dug, remove the grass and discard. This is the only time you have to dig, but it makes adding edging stones later so much easier.
Step 5: Add Decorative Garden Edging
The front and side garden beds have brick edging so I removed the old ones from the new connected area. Next, I used them and some additional brick to fill in the new landscaping edge created in the last step.
Bricks give the garden timeless character while helping keep mulch and soil neatly contained. There are many edging materials available, but using the same brick helps the beds look cohesive and is cost effective as I already had brick ready to use. I love the character and charm it adds.
Step 6: Add a Layer of Garden Soil
Now that the cardboard is set and soaked, it’s time for the next layer. Spread a layer quality garden soil across the newly sectioned off area.
I don’t plan on adding any plants into the ground as the area I created is in a very harsh and rocky spot and is very shady. If we add anything in this area, it will be in a pot or raised bed.
If you do this process and want to plant in this newly connected area, the fresh soil helps to create a healthy growing environment for future plants. It also covers cardboard completely and as it decomposes, it will enrich the soil beneath.
Step 7: Cover with Mulch
Once the soil is down, add the mulch next. It will layers nicely with the garden soil and will also help the cardboard to breakdown.
My favorite thing about the mulch is that it will easily and neatly blend the two garden beds together seamlessly while creating a neat and clean appearance. I used the same brown mulch that was in the other two beds for easy blending.
Buy more than you need and be generous. More mulch helps make the garden look full and healthy.
Step 8: Add Plants and Decorative Pots
Now it’s the fun part, adding the decorative elements!
I added diy stepping stones that will lead to a bird bath. The plan is to also add some decorative planters filled with perennials or gorgeous annuals that I don’t mind replanting each year.
This is also the perfect opportunity to add garden statues, solar lights, bird baths, climbing trellises, bird houses, and a fariy garden to make the space whimsical and unique.
Final Thoughts
Connecting separate flower beds completely transformed this side yard into a beautiful, whimsical place. It was a wasted weed patch before and now it is beautiful. This simple no dig landscaping project is perfect for beginners and can usually be completed over in a summer afternoon.
Whether you dream of an English cottage garden or a low maintenance landscape, creating one large connected flower bed provides the perfect curb appeal for your home.
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