How Much Does It Cost to Install a Flower Bed?

In this guide

Flower Bed Cost Per Square Foot

Most landscapers charge one price for the entire job. However, the average cost per sq.ft. is $4 to $12. Typically, the cost per sq.ft. would only be for the labor, and the supplies would be added to it. Supply pricing varies with the type of flowers, bushes, plants, mulch, rock, border, etc., you choose.

Flower Bed Price by Type

The cost of flower bed landscaping depends on the type of bed you include in your landscaping design. The type of flower bed you choose depends on the aesthetics you are trying to achieve and the space available to install the bed. The two types of flower beds you can choose from are border flower beds and island flower beds. Island flower beds tend to run larger. Below you will see the average cost to install a flower bed, based on the type you choose.

Border Flower Bed

A border flower bed can be a subtle addition to make your front yard look neat and clean, costing from $1,000 to $1,500. Border flower beds can be smaller planters on one side of the house or wrap around your house, though the latter option is significantly more expensive. These beds are perfect for enhancing the aesthetics of your home. Planting deep yellow, orange, purple, pink, or blue flowers provides a pop of color to every home.

Island Flower Bed

The cost of an island flower bed is $1,000 to $3,000. While a border flower bed is located next to the house, an island flower bed is typically situated in the center of the front yard. Island beds are designed to draw attention versus blending in with the landscaping. The best choice is to mix flowers with larger plants. When choosing colors, opt for bright or bold colors if you want to bed to draw more attention. Opt for muted colors if you want a more subtle look. Your landscaper can help you determine which plants and flowers will do well together.

Edging Flower Bed Cost by Material

Edging a flower bed gives it a finished, crisp look. It also eliminates the need to create a new edge with your weedeater constantly. There are many options for edging the flower bed, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Below are the most common edging options and the cost per linear ft. installed.

Plastic Flower Bed Border

Plastic edging is the least expensive option and costs from $0.50 to $1 per linear ft. to have installed. Plastic options primarily come in a few simple colors designed to blend in with the surrounding area and serve as invisible edging. This can be a good option for those who want minimal maintenance and want the flowers to be the main focal point. The main drawback to this type of material is that it can easily become damaged, especially when mowing.

Rubber Flower Bed Edging

Rubber edging around your flower bed costs from $1.50 to $3 per linear ft. to have installed. It is a cost effective option like plastic but is more durable because it gives when pushed instead of cracking or breaking. It is great for keeping the grass out of the bed and the mulch in but is not as aesthetically pleasing as other options. While it most often comes in black, you can also find it in grays and browns.

Composite Flower Bed Edging

Composite edging is a durable option designed to last for decades with proper care. You can expect to pay from $2 to $5 per linear ft. to have it installed. It is resistant to rotting, peeling, and cracking and is designed to resist damage from a lawnmower. It often is placed flush with the ground, so it is a less visible option and is best suited for minimal aesthetic looks. The main drawback to composite edging is that it can be more difficult to move if you wish to change the design of your bed.

Metal Border for Flower Beds

One of the strongest options for flower bed edging is metal, costing from $2.50 to $4 per linear ft. when you have it installed. Metal will not break or crack if hit with a lawnmower, but it can bend if put under enough pressure. It is often mostly sunk in the ground, but a small portion will extend above it. This gives the bed a modern look. The drawback is, it can be a tripping hazard if placed in a higher traffic area.

Aluminum Edging for Flower Beds

Aluminum edging for your flower bed costs from $2.50 to $3.50 per linear ft. to have installed. Aluminum edging is a popular option because it is durable yet thin, making it easier to work around even more rounded designs. The aluminum’s bright color adds contrast to the green of the grass and the colors of the flowers in the garden. The main drawback to aluminum is that it is more pliable than other metals, which means it can be dented if hit hard.

Steel Edging for Flower Beds

Steel edging is a more expensive metal option for flower beds, running between $3 to $4 per linear ft. installed. Steel is one of the most durable metals and can withstand hits from lawn equipment and severe weather. There are a few drawbacks to this option. Steel gets its durability from its strength, making it harder to maneuver when used on flower beds that aren’t square. It also may require more maintenance as it can eventually rust.

Limestone Flower Bed Edging

Limestone ¹ edging is an option that costs from $3 to $4 per linear ft. installed. It is a much softer material than brick or concrete. However, it is porous, which means it may require additional preparation like sealing to prevent it from staining or forming mildew. Limestone is a nice option for those looking for a softer appearance but one that is still rock-like. Since the material is softer, it is more likely to be damaged by lawn mowers or edgers.

Concrete Edging for Flower Beds

If you want to edge your flower bed with concrete, you can expect to pay from $4 to $5 per linear ft. to install. The thicker the edging, the higher the cost will be. Concrete is often used when you want an edging that is more prominent but stands up to the elements and rigors of mowing. The main drawback is that once it is formed, it cannot be moved or bent. If you reshape the area, you will need to get more edging.

Brick Flower Bed Edging

To have brick edging installed, the cost per linear ft. ranges from $6 to $8. Bricks are one of the most durable options available for edging and require little to no maintenance to keep them looking nice. They are available in many colors and styles, which allow you to customize the look of your flower bed. The drawback to bricks is that they can be moved from their place if hit since they are only slightly set in the ground.

Cinder Block Flower Bed Edging

A more expensive edging that is equally as durable as brick is cinder block. To edge your bed with cinder block, you will pay from $7 to $15 per linear ft. Cinder blocks will not be damaged from mowing or edging and can stand up to any weather. The main drawback is they come in larger pieces, making them bulky when using around more curved designs.

Paver Flower Bed Edging

If you choose to use pavers for edging, the cost per linear ft. installed ranges from $9 to $17. Pavers are often chosen when you want a unique pattern or design around your flower bed since they are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Different size and shape pavers can be combined to create a clean and unique line around the flower bed. A drawback to pavers is that they can be costly and moved out of place if hit.

Wooden Flower Bed Border

Edging your flower bed with wood can be more expensive but creates a quite beautiful and rustic appearance. Costs range from $10 to $15 per linear ft. to have installed. You can choose from several different stains and grains to create a unique look. The main drawback with wood edging is that it requires a lot of maintenance. The wood needs to be treated to prevent insect damage and rotting. You must stain the wood every three to five years to maintain the appearance.

Cedar Flower Bed border

One of the most common types of wood used in flower beds is cedar. Cedar wood edging costs between $10 and $13 per linear ft installed. Cedar flower bed edging is a naturally rot and insect resistant material, making it a great edge product. You can purchase it in half log rolls with metal stakes attached for an easy install. However, these inexpensive rolls are a little flimsy and may fall over if stepped on or as the soil becomes wet.

Timber Flower Bed Edging

Timber flower bed edging involves any variety of soft or hardwood and runs between $10 and $15 per linear ft. installed. Timber edging can be installed as a vertical or horizontal edging. When installed vertically, the timbers will be cut into small pieces, slightly sunk into the ground, and arranged around the edge of the bed. When created with a horizontal edge, the timbers will be laid lengthwise around the edge of the bed.

Bamboo Flower Bed Edging

Bamboo edging is one of the most expensive flower bed wood edging and costs anywhere from $13 to $15 per linear ft. installed. Bamboo is always used as a vertical edging with the pieces cut and bound together before being arranged around the edge of the bed and slightly sunk into the ground. You can customize the appearance of bamboo by varying the length of the cuts. Bamboo is great because it repels insects and is aesthetically pleasing. The main drawback is that it can be damaged with lawn equipment.

Rock Flower Bed Border

Rocks are one of the most popular types of edging around flower beds. Installing rocks around your flower bed costs between $10 and $18 per linear ft. Rocks are one of the most natural looking edges and provide a more nature-like feel to your landscaping. Rocks stand up to weathering and last for a long time with little maintenance. Aside from the higher cost, the main drawback is that they will often get into your yard and need to be replaced every couple of years as they will begin to get pressed into the soil. The cost you pay for your rock edging largely depends on the type of rocks you choose. Below you will see the two main options and the average cost per linear ft. you can expect to pay to have it installed.

Natural Rock Borders for Flower Beds

Natural rocks are the less expensive rock option and cost between $10 and $14 per linear ft. to have installed. Natural rocks look like rocks would when found in nature, often with a jagged and chalky appearance. You can choose from different colors though they are mostly muted when first installed due to the rock dust covering them. They are the best option when you want to create the most natural look.

River Rock Flower Bed Border

River rocks cost between $15 and $18 per linear ft. to be installed as flower bed edging. River rocks give the appearance of the rocks along the bed of the river. They are rounded, smooth, and vibrant. This option is ideal when you are looking for a more refined look for your flower bed or an edging option that brings out the colors of your flowers. The main drawbacks with this type of edging are the cost and the fact that they can easily become scattered in the yard.

Cost to Install Stone Edging

The most expensive type of edging you can choose for your flower bed is stone edging. Stone edging costs from $12 to $22 per linear ft. to have installed, depending on the size of the stones. They are heavy, durable, and weather resistant. They also protect your garden from lawn equipment. Stone edging gives your bed a more refined look and adds some depth to the area. The main drawback to this type of edging is the cost.

Flower Bed Cost by Type of Flower

Picking out the flowers for your flower bed is perhaps the most exciting part. Many different shades, colors, and textures of flowers are available. Although it is exciting, it is also the part where you don’t want to choose incorrectly. If you buy flowers that don’t like too much sun and the sun beats down on them every day, they will be dead before you know it. Conversely, if you buy flowers that require less water and your area is very rainy, root rot will soon begin.

Marigold Flower Bed

Marigolds draw pollinators, need full sun, and bloom quickly. These easy to maintain plants are also inexpensive at $1 to $5. Marigolds add bright orange and yellow blooms, which work well with green plants and any other coloring of flowers. Their structured blooms are well paired with less structured flowers such as pansies to create a unique contrast.

Snapdragon Flower Bed

While these plants are low-maintenance, they only bloom during the cooler part of the blooming season. To buy one, expect to pay about $1 to $5. Snapdragons come in quite a range of colors and grow to five or more inches when in ideal temperatures. They have multiple oval-like blooms on each flower. Their vertical appearance makes them work well in beds with shorter flower varieties.

Zinnia Flower Bed

These are brightly colored and easy to care for flowers. When the large variety is purchased, it makes great cutting flowers for vases. The cost of the plant is $1 to $5. They are from the daisy family and often produce unique structured blooms that resemble a small dahlia. They range in height from 4 inches to 40 inches, depending on the variety. They come in many colors, including whites, yellows, purples, reds, oranges, and even chartreuse.

Daffodil Flower Bed

These flowers like at least six hours of bright sun a day and cost about $1 to $20. Daffodils bloom in the spring months and create beautiful, structured blooms on the yellow spectrum. They don’t last as long through the season as other flower types. However, their bright colors and unique appearance add to the aesthetic of any garden. It is often best to plant these with flowers that bloom in the summer to keep your garden active throughout the season.

Pink Flower Bed

If pink is your favorite color, you have lots of flowers to choose from, including roses, carnations, begonias, azaleas, and more. Costs range from $1 to $25, depending on the flower variety you choose. Pink flowers like pansies and begonias love full sun, while other options like impatiens thrive in shaded areas. This allows you to have your perfect pink garden no matter where the sun falls in your yard.

Lavender Flower Bed

Lavender is known for its sweet smell and calming effect. Expect to pay $3 to $15 to install lavender flowers in your garden. Lavender flowers add a light purple color to your garden and make the whole garden smell beautiful if you have enough planted. The blooms attract butterflies and last from late spring to late summer.

Lobelia Flower Bed

With striking blue color, these plants are great for ground cover because they branch out. The cost is about $5 to $6 per flower. Lobelia grows best in warm, humid climates. Some variations survive in colder climates. They are popular in ornamental gardens due to their bright color and are great when needed to fill out some space in the bed.

Coneflower Flower Bed

If you are looking for an easy plant to grow that attracts butterflies and bees, the coneflower is a great choice. The cost for coneflower plants is $5 to $6. This flower is also referred to as echinacea. They have a distinctive design with a structured center that attracts bees and pointed or rounded flat petals in a wide range of colors.

Yarrow Flower Bed

A no-fuss, drought-resistant plant, these are easy to grow. The cost is about $5 to $6. They thrive in wet and dry climates and do well in full sun and slight shade. They are often white or pale pink. Each plant produces several disc-like blooms that make the plant look like a bouquet. This type of flower acts as a food source for many insects, which aids in the pollination of your garden.

Calibrachoa Flower Bed

With trumpet-shaped flowers, this hardy plant grows in nearly all kinds of conditions. The price is $5 to $15 per plant. They are sprawling flowers that take up a lot of space in the garden. Since their blooms are short lived, it is a good option to plant them with other flowers that bloom for longer. They have unique coloring with a primary color on the main part of the trumpet and another color deeper into the middle.

Black-Eyed Susan Flower Bed

Black-eyed Susan flowers require minimal care, love the sun, and are great pollinators. These wildflowers run about $8 to $9 each. Black-eyed Susans are easy to identify due to their unique shape and coloring that resembles a classic bumblebee. They feature a dark, bulbous center, from which long, thin, yellow petals protrude in a downward motion.

Sunflower Flower Bed

There is nothing like a sunflower. These flowers are heat tolerant, pest resistant, and come in larger varieties that grow as tall as 16 feet! You can expect to pay from $8 to $10 each. Even with over 70 varieties to choose from, all of them feature a bloom that looks like a blazing sun. The flower carries its seed in a round area in the center and has yellow and orange petals jutting out. Sunflowers are best when planted with other tall varieties of flowers.

Touch-Me-Not Flower Bed

Touch-me-not flowers are a structured variety that adds a unique look to any garden. Prices for these flowers run from $10 to $12 each. These pom pom looking flowers earn their name from the thorns that grow on the stems and the plant’s characteristic of closing up when touched. They are easy to grow, require minimal care, and are suited for most climates.

Rose Flower Bed

Rose bushes are a more expensive option for a flower bed and cost from $10 to $50. The rose flower has a myriad of choices, colors, and sizes. Some varieties are even multicolored. Roses are a beautiful addition to any garden but require a fair amount of care and maintenance. They need regular pruning, ample water and sun, and proper soil conditions to thrive. You also want to be cautious where you plant them since they have thorns.

Iris Flower Bed

Iris flowers like full sun and require little water but are toxic to pets. Costs range from $13 to $30. The deep purple color found on most iris varieties works well with almost any other colors that you might have in the garden. The flowers are taller, which makes them work well when planted behind smaller plants. They tend to expand, so they need a little space to spread out.

Daylily Flower Bed

A hearty flower that is virtually maintenance-free, daylilies run from $15 to $16. Daylilies are distinctive with their full green base that features long leaves and tall structured flowers in many colors. You can even opt for hybrid varieties which feature multiple colors in their blooms. Daylilies love hot weather and bloom well into the late summer months.

Lily Flower Bed

Adding lilies to your flower bed can be more expensive since they cost $20 to $70 per plant. While they are on the more costly side, they definitely add unique beauty to your flower bed, no matter which variety you choose. Calla lilies are one of the most expensive, but their structured look adds a unique flair to your garden. Lilies like full sun and well-drained soil but are toxic to cats and dogs.

Hyacinth Flower Bed

These stunning large blooms range from light pink to deep blue and need partial shade and rich soil. A potted hyacinth is $21 to $25. Hyacinths are spring bloomers and have a stalk coming that is covered with tiny blooms. The bulbs can be poisonous, so they should be handled with care when planting. Once they bloom, hyacinths make a great flower to cut and bring inside.

Labor Cost to Install Flower Beds

Installing flower beds is a lengthy process from start to finish. Planning for size, shape, and understanding the proper types of flowers, plants, or shrubs is vital to the success of your project. Professionals understand dimension and shape and know what plants will survive in your climate and soil. The last thing you want to do is spend money, and everything dies within six months to a year.

Any existing grass or weeds must be removed, and a protective screen or plastic laid down to prevent regrowth. Once that is completed, the edging can be put in. Cuts can be made in the plastic or screen, and holes dug. The plants and flowers will then be installed along with the mulch or rocks. Watering should be done for several hours afterward with a slow dripping hose. Most professionals complete this job within a few hours. Prices vary from state to state, but most landscaping professionals charge $50 to $100 an hour.

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Cost to Redo Flower Beds

If you need to have your flower bed redone, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 and $2,000 depending on the size of the bed and the number of plants and flowers it contains. The cost includes the cleaning of the flower bed and installing new flowers and plants. Costs also include new edging and mulch if desired and preparing the soil for the new plants.

During the process, your landscaper removes all existing flowers and plants, weeds any areas, making sure to remove the root, and then turns the soil to make sure it is well aerated. Edging will be removed and replaced, and new flowers will be planted. If the flower bed has space, mulch may be added to fill in the areas.

A homeowner may decide to have the flower bed redone if they want to change out the plants or edging or alter the shape or size of the bed. The cost for redoing a bed is less than the cost to install because the area for the bed is already cut out.

Cost to Build Raised Garden Bed

The cost of a raised garden bed runs from $85 to $550. The cost to install a raised garden bed includes the box or structure containing it, the soil, and the chosen plants. Raised garden beds are helpful because they bring the plants and flowers up to your level for easier weeding and tending. Gardeners enjoy raised beds because they provide better drainage and no soil erosion. They are often used to fend off wildlife and repel certain insects but are not as effective as fences or enclosures. These beds are surrounded by a wood, concrete, or metal box without a top.

When creating a raised bed, your landscaper will prepare the base soil and build the edging up until the base for the garden is created. Soil and fertilizer will be added to fill it in. Then, your landscaper will add flowers and mulch if requested.

Raised Garden Bed Cost by Material

Just like edging, the cost of a raised garden bed is determined by the material. Choosing a material depends on how you want your garden to look and how long you expect the product to last. Below you can see the average cost you can expect to have a 4 x 4 raised garden installed based on the type of material.

Straw Bale Raised Garden

A straw bale raised garden is the least expensive option, costing between $85 to $125. Straw bales are a good option if you want something that requires little to no maintenance and looks very natural. The drawback is the straw bale continues to break apart slowly and eventually needs to be replaced. It is not the ideal option in areas with severe weather. Straw bales are not the most common option because they only last for so long. They can be great seasonal additions if you want a truly rustic look.

Stock Tank Flower Bed

A stock tank raised flower bed is another reasonably-priced option that costs between $100 and $250. Stock tanks are great when you want a more country-like or rustic feel in your yard. You can choose from one large bed or multiple smaller beds to create the ideal look. They are popular due to their low cost and low maintenance. One drawback is that they come in a limited number of colors.

Concrete Raised Garden

A concrete raised garden is one of the most durable options and costs $175 to $375. Concrete beds require little to no maintenance and can withstand damage from the elements and any lawn equipment. They are a good option if you want a more basic look. They can be painted, but the color options are limited if you choose not to paint them. Painting the concrete requires additional maintenance.

Cinder Block Raised Garden Bed

Cinder block raised garden beds are another durable option that cost from $200 to $350. Since they are made from blocks, you can easily change the design to any shape. They are weather-resistant and will not become damaged by lawn equipment. The drawback is they only come in a couple of colors and are difficult to paint. This option is easy to maintain and may only require keeping the dirt washed off of the blocks.

Rock Raised Garden Beds

A raised garden made of rocks creates a unique appearance. The cost for a rock raised garden varies from $225 to $450 depending on the types of rocks chosen and their size. The look created with a rock bed is a little more jagged but provides a unique appearance. They work well at insulating plants and will not rot or fade. The only drawbacks are this type of bed is not as easy to move and can be more costly. When it comes to maintenance, there is very little unless the rocks become damaged. When that occurs, you may need to replace the rock to avoid damage to the structure.

Metal Raised Garden Beds

Expect to pay from $250 to $400 for a metal raised garden bed. Galvanized metal is recommended as it contains a zinc coating that keeps the metal from rusting. These beds can be made of all metal or with a wood frame and metal sides. They are a great option for those wanting a classic, old-fashioned farmhouse look. While metal beds are durable, they don’t last as long as some of the other options:

Aluminum Raised Garden Beds

Raised garden beds made of aluminum are one of the least expensive metals, running anywhere from $250 to $350. Aluminum raised beds provide a bright, metallic appearance that highlights the bed and makes it the centerpiece of your yard. Aluminum is fairly durable and needs no maintenance besides cleaning. The main drawback is it can be damaged if hit with heavy lawn equipment.

Steel Raised Garden Beds

A metal raised flower bed type that is growing in popularity is steel beds. Steel beds cost between $320 and $400 to have installed. Steel is a popular option for raised beds because it is low maintenance and more durable than wood options. The coating on steel raised flower beds gives it protection from corrosion and rotting. Steel is also extremely durable.

The main drawback with using steel for a raised flower bed, aside from the expense, is that the lining does not do well with highly acidic plants. They also are less insulating than other options.

Iron Raised Garden Beds

You can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $400 to have an iron raised flower bed installed, making it the most costly metal option. Iron raised beds provide a unique look to your yard, bringing an antique feel to your flower bed. This metal is extremely durable and withstands even hard hits from lawn equipment. The primary drawback to this option is that it can rust, so cleaning and removing the rust will be added maintenance.

Wood Raised Garden Bed

If you want to make your raised garden bed out of wood, you can expect to pay anywhere between $275 and $500 to have it installed. Wood is a great option for homeowners who want their landscaping to be more natural looking. Wood is durable and can withstand minor hits from lawn care equipment. The main drawback with wood is, even when treated, it breaks down over time. When pieces begin to rot, they must be replaced. The cost depends on what type of wood you use.

Cedar Raised Garden Bed

A raised garden bed made of cedar can run anywhere from $200 to $300 to have installed. Cedar is one of the least expensive wood options but is a popular choice because it is rot and insect resistant. Cedar is a softwood, which is not as durable as other options, but it resists minor hits from edgers during the landscaping process. It is also a good choice for homeowners who want to achieve a more rustic look.

Pressure Treated Wood for Raised Beds

Using pressure treated wood for a raised bed garden runs from $200 to $450. All wood used in raised garden beds needs to be pressure treated if used where moisture is possible. When wood is pressure treated, it is infused with chemicals that help to prevent rot and repel insects. While pressure treated wood is generally very durable, if you choose softer wood that is pressure treated, it can be dented if hit with lawn care equipment.

Maple Raised Garden Bed

Having your raised garden bed made with maple costs from $250 to $325. Maple is a hardwood that is extremely durable and has a reddish color that enhances the colors of your flowers and grass. Maple can withstand hits from yard equipment and does not wear down very easily. Maple is a popular option in regions where the wood is more readily available, mainly due to its ability to add color to a flower bed.

Bamboo Raised Garden Bed

A bamboo raised garden bed costs between $250 and $350 to have installed. Unlike other woods, bamboo has a more unique appearance as stalks instead of timber. Bamboo is durable and flexible. It can withstand a lot of pressure but cuts easily. You should use care with lawn equipment. Bamboo is not as common of an option for raised beds but is popular with those looking to add an Asian flair to their garden area.

Redwood Raised Garden Bed

Using redwood ² for your raised garden bed costs $300 to $400, though it is not commonly used anymore. Redwood is mostly found in California or surrounding areas. If you live far from that region, you may find it hard to come by. Conservation efforts for redwood trees have made redwood less commonly used for raised gardens, even though it used to be one of the most popular options.

Teak Raised Garden Bed

It costs from $350 to $450 to have a raised garden made of teak installed. Teak is one of the most expensive wood options because it is the strongest. It makes a very durable raised garden bed that can withstand damage from lawn equipment. The wood comes in natural colors, which is perfect for homeowners looking for a more rustic look.

Brick Raised Garden Bed Cost

A raised garden made of brick is a more expensive option, costing $325 to $550. Brick gardens are great when you want a structured appearance that is durable and is available in many color options. Brick gardens last long and require little maintenance. Some repairs may be needed if they become damaged. Repairs often include replacing bricks or adding additional mortar.

Cost of Stone Flower Beds

Your most expensive option for a raised flower bed is a stone one that costs from $350 to $550. Stone raised garden beds last for years with no maintenance and bring a unique, natural look to your landscaped area. You can choose from various colors and shapes of stones, allowing you to create a unique and customized look. The main drawback to this option is the price.

Flower Bed Installation Cost Factors

Planning a flower bed installation is a fun project. However, set a budget to avoid getting in over your head. Some items that affect the cost are when you are having the work done, the size of your garden, the material you choose for the border, if your soil will need tilling, weed or grass removal, plastic or screen to staunch regrowth, and the kind of flowers you choose.

Another issue that affects the installation of your flower bed is the natural landscape of your yard. You may need to reslope a section of your yard to make the area ideal to accommodate a flower bed. This process includes moving soil from one area to another or removing it from the yard entirely. Resloping for landscaping runs from $700 to $1,700, depending on the size of the area and what process needs to be used.

You may find that you get a better deal on a flower bed installation during the cooler months. However, this is not always practical. Your professional landscaper should be able to help you determine when flowers should be planted. Because most flowers cannot be planted before the last freeze, it limits when you can have the job done.

If you have grass or weeds that have to be removed, you pay an additional $50 to $150. The size of your flower bed also influences the cost. The labor and supplies cost $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size. The border of your flower bed varies from $50 to $500 installed. The least expensive border is plastic edging. Flower costs vary from $2 to $50. More exotic or rare flowers can cost more than $50.

Cost to Mulch Flower Beds

Mulching your flower bed costs between $150 and $400, including labor. It can be done with various materials, including pine/hay straw, shredded hardwood, bark, hemlock, redwood, cedar, rubber, plastic, and rock. In most cases, the cost to weed the flower beds will be included in the price. Bark mulch ³ is considered the better choice since it is heavier, so it doesn’t blow away, decomposes slower, and is a denser material to let in more sun and water. You can find bark mulch for around $40 to $150 per cubic yard. Shredded materials are very easy to spread and are affordable at $40 to $60 per cubic yard. Hemlock is toxic to pets and people, so not a good choice. Redwood mulch features a rich, dark color but is expensive at $60 to $75 per cubic yard. A synthetic material such as rubber is a recycled, eco-friendly product that costs $200 to $400 per cubic yard. Looking to save money? Bulk mulch is cheaper than bagged.

Preparing Ground for Flower Bed

Preparing the ground for your flower bed is a large portion of the installation process. While you can attempt to prep the area yourself, it may be best to wait for your landscaper. They will be better able to edge the area to reach the desired aesthetic look and have the tools and equipment to make sure that the soil is properly prepared.

Once your landscaper has the design for your flower bed, they will prep the soil before planting. This usually involves digging up and removing any grass and weeds from the area, making sure that all of the roots are removed. They will then turn the soil to make sure it is loose and well aerated. The soil may be tested to see if it is optimal for flowers, and additional fertilizer or nutrients may be added.

Flower Bed Designs

When it comes to flower bed designs, the sky is the limit. Flower beds can be designed with a square or rectangular pattern, but they are often curved and follow the lines around your home if planted in the front. They can be rounded or oval shapes that serve as landscaped islands in the front of your home.

If your yard has trees, you may want to lay your bed out around it to help it stand out and make it easier to mow around. If you have an old stump in the ground, you can hollow it out and put your flower bed inside.

Flower beds can be designed to fit around any landscaped area of your yard. They can run along walkways and driveways, encircle decks and pools, or be used to spruce up your fence line.

Adding features to your flower bed, such as wells, birdbaths, and lighthouses, can enhance the aesthetics of your flower bed.

Flower Bed Maintenance Cost

If you have a screen or plastic weed barrier installed before the plants and mulch are added, weeding your garden is an easier job. Depending on the types of flowers you have chosen, you may need to water more often. Some flowers, such as roses, may require removing dead flowers to make way for more blooms and the addition of fertilizer to help them grow. If you hire a professional to maintain your beds, expect to pay around $25 to $50 an hour.

With weed block down, you can weed either by pulling the few weeds that come through or spraying them if they are not too close to plants. Without a weed block, you may need to dig down deeper to get stubborn weeds. In general, you can expect to pay $100 to $500 for flower bed cleanup.

Dig Flower Bed vs No-Dig Flower Bed

Your typical flower bed requires digging, tilling, and removing grass and weeds. However, many people turn to a no-dig flower bed. A no-dig flower bed is installed on top of the existing ground. Using a biodegradable product such as a newspaper or cardboard as the base, the soil is added and built up to create a top layer for planting. You need to have a border installed to contain the garden. Digging will be necessary to install that. Once you have the foundation done, planting and mulching ensue. The cost of a no-dig flower bed will be lower since the foundation work takes less time.

A dig flower bed requires more preparation because you need to till the area and prepare the soil before beginning to plant. A dig flower bed allows you to plant flowers that may need better handling of roots, such as rose bushes. They require a deeper soil area for the bushes to take root. In terms of maintenance, both require regular weeding and maintenance of the edges and mulch. No dig beds require more topsoil and mulch throughout the year to maintain the appearance and keep the plants healthy. Expect to pay $800 to $1,200 for a no-dig and $1,000 to $3,000 for a dig flower bed.

Annual vs Perennial Flower Bed

Another thing to consider when designing your flower bed is whether you want it to be annuals or perennials. Annual flowers bloom once a year and need to be replaced each year. Perennial flowers come up each year.

Annual gardens are a good option when you want to change your flowers or their position from year to year. The drawback is, it requires you to purchase and replant new flowers each year.

Perennial gardens require a lot less maintenance. Once planted, the flowers will come up each year, and you will only need to weed and remove the dead parts of the flower. It is important to note that some perennials will grow larger or spread out each year. If the bed gets overcrowded, you may need to remove some. The main drawbacks to this type of garden are that the initial expense can be more, and you do not have the flexibility with the design and flower options you do with an annual. In some cases, homeowners choose a mix of annuals and perennials to get the best of both worlds.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Flower Bed Fence

If you want to add a little extra flair around your flower bed, you may want to add a flower bed fence. Flower bed fences cost between $2 to $4 per linear foot and come in a wide range of colors, designs, and heights. They improve the aesthetic appearance of your flower bed and keep flowers and shrubs contained to the bed if they overgrow.

Raised Flower Bed with Trellis

A trellis is used to allow creeping flower plants to climb. While installing a trellis ⁴ can cost you $650 and $950, you can have a raised flower bed with trellis installed for $350 to $900. This type of landscape piece is ideal when adding design and color to a large area or adding privacy to an outdoor space.

Weed Barrier Cost

A weed and grass barrier is usually made of screen or plastic. It provides a barrier to keep weeds and grass from growing into your flower garden. Weed barrier cost with installation is $50 to $100. Weed barrier is a great way to lower the maintenance of your garden because it reduces the number of large weeds and protects the soil if you use a chemical weed killer.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Limestone: A type of sedimentary rock, made up of mostly calcite and aragonite

⁴ Trellis: A decorative architectural structure, often used to support climbing plants, comprised of intersecting pieces of wood, bamboo, vinyl, metal, or other such material