10 Stunning Small Flower Garden Arrangements Around Trees

8. The Seasonal Color Explosion: Creating Year-Round Interest Around Your Tree

A photo of a tree with multiple layers of bulbs planted around it. The tree has a variety of spring bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. The bulbs are planted in a "lasagna" style, with the tulips planted deepest, followed by the daffodils, and the smaller bulbs like crocuses near the surface. As the spring bulbs start to fade, summer perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and salvias take center stage. In the fall, chrysanthemums, asters, sedum 'Autumn Joy', and ornamental cabbage add color. In the winter, ornamental grasses like Miscanthus sinensis add drama with frost-covered plumes.

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to design a tree garden – what I like to call the “seasonal color explosion.” After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered that planning for year-round interest isn’t just about throwing some random bulbs in the ground. It’s about creating a living tapestry that transforms with each passing season.

The Art of Bulb Layering

You know what’s better than one layer of spring bulbs? Multiple layers! I learned this technique (sometimes called “lasagna planting”) the hard way after my first attempt at bulb planting looked more like a connect-the-dots puzzle than a garden. Now, I carefully plan my bulb layers by depth: tulips go deepest, followed by daffodils, then smaller bulbs like crocuses near the surface. This creates what I call a “blooming timeline” that keeps the show going for months.

Transitioning Through the Seasons

Here’s where the real magic happens. As your spring bulbs start to fade, you want your summer perennials to take center stage. I’ve found that planting things like coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and salvias between the bulbs works wonderfully. They start growing just as the bulb foliage begins to yellow, perfectly hiding that awkward dying-back phase that every bulb gardener dreads.

Fall and Winter Drama

Don’t make the mistake I did of forgetting about autumn! Chrysanthemums are fantastic, but they’re just the beginning. I’ve incorporated asters, sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, and even some ornamental cabbage for those crisp fall days. And winter? That’s when my ornamental grasses really shine. The way the frost catches the plumes of Miscanthus sinensis on a December morning is absolutely magical.

Pro Tips for Success

Map out your planting zones around the tree based on sun exposure
Keep a bloom time calendar to identify any gaps in seasonal interest
Consider adding early spring bulbs like snowdrops for late winter color
Include some evergreen perennials for year-round structure
Plant in groups of odd numbers for natural-looking drifts

Want to know my secret weapon for maintaining this colorful display? It’s all about proper soil preparation and strategic plant placement. I always ensure there’s enough organic matter in the soil and maintain a careful balance between plants that spread and those that stay put.

Ready to discover another stunning way to transform your tree garden? Our next arrangement, “The Fragrant Moon Garden,” will show you how to create an enchanting nighttime display that will make your evening garden strolls absolutely magical. Click the next button below to learn how to incorporate ethereal white blooms and silvery foliage that literally glow in the moonlight!