How to use Peter Nyssen’s plants as bedding plants

Bedding plants would typically be thought of as annual plants. You can buy them from garden centres and plant them for an instant burst of colour. However, bedding plants can be expanded to perennials, bulbs and shrubs. Decide what you want from your beds and which plants you want to shine. Here are a few plants that work as great complimentary partners to bulbs and dahlias. 

• Asters
• Begonias
• Lupins 
• Achillea

What Are Bedding Plants?

Bedding plants are seasonal plants cultivated for their ornamental value, typically used to add colour and texture to flower beds, borders, and containers. The majority of plants will flourish during the summer months. You can dramatically change the feel of your garden with how you choose to fill the gaps in your garden beds.

Why Plant Bedding Plants?

• Bedding plants add vibrancy and visual appeal to garden spaces. Allowing you to fill your beds with interesting flowers or foliage.
• Filling your beds can help reduce the presence of weeds. 
• Change the look and feel of your garden with each season, keeping it fresh and dynamic. Keeping plants in a greenhouse until ready to be planted allows you to swap bedding plants midway through the season. Removing any tired and unsuccessful plants. 
• There are no rules; your garden is entirely your creation. Choose bedding plants that you enjoy. 

Alternatives to Bedding Plants:

• Perennial plants are an alternative option for long-term garden design, offering the advantage of returning year after year with minimal maintenance.
• Use native plants in garden beds for their adaptability to local growing conditions and their ability to support local ecosystems and wildlife.
• Keep an eye on what works well for your neighbors and what is growing in the wild, these will give you a clue as to what will work for you. 
• Ornamental Grasses add texture, movement, and architectural interest to garden designs, providing a low-maintenance alternative to traditional bedding plants.

Interesting Ideas for Bedding Plants:

• Vertical Gardening: Explore using bedding plants in vertical gardens, such as living walls or hanging baskets, to maximise space and create eye-catching focal points.
• Edible Bedding Plants: Try edible bedding plants like herbs, vegetables, or edible flowers, which not only add visual appeal but also provide a functional and sustainable element to garden designs.
• Scented Bedding Plants: Don't forget the allure of scented bedding plants, such as lavender or sweet alyssum, which can enhance the sensory experience of the garden and attract pollinators.

Creating a Successful Garden with Bedding Plants:

Stephen says, 'I'm not much of a gardening planner, but bedding plants benefit from forward thinking. Planning also adds an element of excitement when it starts to come together.'  

Researching your plants is a great way to start planning and designing when incorporating bedding plants into garden beds. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil quality, and plant compatibility. Put your plants in groups to help organise your thoughts. 
Consider how you will water, fertilise and prune to ensure the health and vitality of bedding plants throughout the growing season. Are these going to be viable options?

Why you should buy Bedding Plants from Peter Nyssen

• Peter Nyssen have been supplying bulbs and plants directly from the Netherlands for over 60 years.
• Exceptional quality plants in 9cm pots for the lowest prices online
• Save on shipping; orders over £50 qualify for free shipping. Get everything your garden needs in one place.