Before you start planning or installing a flower bed take the time to think to yourself, "What do I want this garden to do for me?"
Do you want a bed that provides good cutting flowers for the vase on your table?
Do you want a vegetable garden that will give you fresh produce?
How about a bed that contains herbs and spices for your cooking?
Or maybe you just want a place to relax and read a book, or you just want to spruce up the front of your house.

Whatever it is you want, your needs can help you narrow down plant possiblilties and give you a better idea of what the end product should be like. There are certain plants that provide excellent cut flowers. If you want a place for relaxing in the summer you might want to think about a shade tree and conseqently shade tolerant plants. Vegetable gardening may not give you award winning looks, but what better way to get involved with your land and get something out of it? Herb gardens are great for practicallity and looks.

Overall, having an idea of what the area will be used for and what, if anything, you want to get out of it, will help you greatly when choosing plants and thinking up a design.