How to clear and replant and old perennial or herbaceous flower border

Clearing and replanting an old perennial or herbaceous flower border can be a time-consuming task, but the results can be rewarding. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Clear the area: Start by removing all the existing plants, weeds, and debris from the bed. You can use a spade or a garden fork to dig up the plants, making sure to remove the roots as well. Be sure to dispose of any diseased or pest-infested plants properly.
2. Prepare the soil: Once the bed is clear, it’s time to prepare the soil for planting. First, loosen the soil with a garden fork, then add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and fertility. Mix it well into the soil.
3. Plan the layout: Decide on the layout of the new plants in the bed. Take into account the height, color, and blooming time of the plants. Make sure to leave enough space between plants to allow them to grow and spread.
4. Plant the new plants: Start planting the new plants in the bed, beginning with the taller plants at the back and working your way forward. Make sure to plant them at the same depth they were in their previous containers or beds. Water each plant well after planting.
5. Mulch the bed: Once all the new plants are in place, add a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth. Use a 2-3 inch layer of organic matter like leaves or straw.
6. Maintain the bed: Regularly water the plants and weed the bed as needed. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Fertilize the plants according to their needs.

By following these steps, you can clear and replant an old perennial or herbaceous flower border and enjoy a beautiful new display of flowers.

ere are many plants that are suitable for a west-facing perennial or herbaceous flower border and can produce a colorful display in the summer and early autumn. Here are some options to consider:

1. Rudbeckia: These yellow or orange daisy-like flowers bloom in mid-summer and can last until early autumn.
2. Echinacea: Also known as coneflowers, these plants have pink or purple blooms that attract butterflies and bees.
3. Agastache: These plants produce spiky blooms in shades of purple, pink, and orange and can last from mid-summer to early autumn.
4. Helenium: These plants produce daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red from mid-summer to early autumn.
5. Phlox: These plants have clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple that bloom in mid-summer.
6. Monarda: Also known as bee balm, these plants have striking red or pink blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies in mid-summer.
7. Sedum: These plants have thick, succulent leaves and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and yellow from late summer to early autumn.
8. Salvia: These plants have spikes of blue or purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn and attract bees and butterflies.
9. Crocosmia: These plants produce tall spikes of red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer.
10. Coreopsis: These plants have bright yellow or pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early autumn and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

These are just a few examples of plants that can thrive in a west-facing perennial or herbaceous flower border and provide a colorful display throughout the summer and early autumn.