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Beautiful flowering borders needn't require an army of gardeners to maintain or take years to go from nursery pots to picture perfect. While it's tempting to dash out to the nursery and scoop up a carload of plants, I've learned to save time and money by putting pen to paper before pulling out the credit card. By creating a plan, choosing plants carefully, and taking the time to prepare your soil, you can get borders like these in just one season. Follow these steps for designing and planting a border and by July you'll have big, beautiful results.
5 steps to designing a great summer border 
photography: Kelly Quinn
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1. Sketch it out Measure your
location and make a rough sketch, noting any existing trees or shrubs around which you may have to work. Determine which direction your border faces (south with lots of sun or north with afternoon shade, for example) and whether the area is wet or dry.
2. Pick a color Select a palette that will coordinate with the surroundings, such as the exterior of your house, existing plants, or a fence. A common mistake is to create a "botanical zoo" with a mishmash of plants that don't work together. To keep things interesting, mix in an assortment of foliage plants with the flowers. A variety of leaf patterns and textures, such as glossy, fuzzy, or variegated plants, also keeps things lively.
3. Estimate number of plants Determine how much you'll need by spacing plants according to their mature size. (This information is found
in garden books or on plant labels.)
4. Select fast growers Some plants are genetically inclined to grow larger in one season than others. If you want big color before frost, get a jump start by buying these varieties in 1-quart to 1-gallon sizes. Check out my list of favorites above.
5. Go shopping With your drawing in hand, now you're ready to go shopping. If the exact variety of plant isn’t available, look for one that has a similar shape and color with comparable growth habits.
Tip: Before turning over a spade of soil, scope out the neighborhood and visit local nurseries and public gardens to get an idea of what you like and what does well in your region.
Allen's favorite quick growers
(good for all regions) •Agastache
•Angelonia (Summer snapdragon)
•Canna
•Coleus
•Cuphea (Mexican heather)
•Dusty miller
•Echinacea (Purple coneflower)
•Geranium
•Gomphrena
•Ipomoea batatas
(Ornamental sweet potato vine)
•Lamb's ear
•Lantana
•Pennisetum setaceum
(Purple fountain grass)
•Persian shield
•Petunia
•Plectranthus
(Variegated and Silver Cuban oregano)
•Purple heart
(Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea')
•Rudbeckia
•Salvia, especially Salvia leucantha (Mexican sage)
Get color with Allen's eye-catching combos
Click to the next page for borders in bright citrus, cool blues, and warm reds.
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Preparing soil is the key to a great garden, but it can be hard work. 
