“Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” – Hans Christian Andersen

With the rise of homesteading and functional outdoor spaces, it’s sad to see gardening purely for the beauty fall by the wayside of home design trends. But if your home’s exterior feels dull and lifeless, a few flowers might be exactly what you’re missing.

Flower gardens aren’t just for your grandparents, and adding some color to your landscape won’t suddenly make it feel outdated and stuffy. Keep reading for the best flower garden ideas for the contemporary homeowner (and, soon, amateur gardener).

1. Creative Flower Garden Ideas

If you want to add some personality to your flower garden, you don’t need to look far for some incredibly clever ideas. Wheelbarrows and wagons are a classic alternative to raised beds. Some creative gardeners can even turn an old car into a giant flower bed.

Source: @dora.torok_.98 via Instagram

Even something as simple as a “spilled” flower pot can add a ton of charm to a garden design. Or you can take inspiration from attractions like Disney World or Busch Gardens and paint a literal picture with your colorful flowers.

Whatever you decide to do, remember to prioritize your plants’ wellbeing. Planting flowers too close together or in a container with no drainage will cut their lifespan significantly. And be prepared to replace old flowers to maintain your design.

2. Container Flower Garden Ideas

There are many reasons why installing an in-ground garden bed might not be an option. You could be a renter. You could be relocating in the near future. Or you could just not want to disturb your existing landscaping.

Source: @chefjameschicago via Instagram

Source: @ouraustraliangardens via Instagram

All these scenarios, and many others we didn’t list, are great opportunities to build a container garden. Container gardens can be as vast or as compact as you like. You can also employ strategies to save floor space, like hanging baskets, a vertical garden, and planter shelves.