Create a River of Color in Your Garden with Mass Plantings

You've heard of planting en masse, but does that mean five petunias instead of one? Try 50 or 550—often needed for a "river" effect. All those plants get expensive, so find fast-growing, easily spreading plants. Creeping sedums, thyme, herbs, and ground covers are great. Encourage spread via seed or division and watch your river grow.

Before starting, prepare soil thoroughly. The trick: a solid mass of color unbroken by other plants. If you don't pull all weeds now, you'll curse yourself as your river becomes thistle and clover. Once you have a blank slate, begin.

The classic river uses one variety and hue for a bold statement. This planting gains structure from well-placed evergreens and Russian sage, echoing natural stones and boulders in a creek.

Another variation: a lake of purple with a single bridge, made by planting waves of purple on either side of a path. Grasses dotted throughout give structure—without them, a mass planting looks formal rather than natural and flowing.

Grasses are perfect for landscape rivers. Choose grasses that don't grow straight up, like Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) seen here. They wave in the wind, looking like water as you walk the path.

Another great application: waterfall-type planting. Similar plants with lots of movement cascading down a hill create a beautiful effect.

Working with flat land? A lake of diminutive blooming ground cover works well. Add little rock islands or outcroppings for a sea-like look.

See more ground cover ideas.

Want a more formal look? Combine spring bulbs for riotous waves of color. The trick: only 1-2 plants guaranteed to bloom simultaneously. Here, pink hyacinth and tulips combine for a mass of pink.

Unlike naturalistic plantings, formal rivers use exact spacings. Plant in straight lines but alternate spacing between lines for a lush look.

Here the river of blue 'Pride of Madeira' has a landscaped shoreline. Diminutive yellow blooms define the curved line.

Whatever look you choose, don't forget edges. Rivers of plants need definition and structure so they don't look like a planting gone amok. Stick with 1-2 easily propagated plants.

For a yearly show, pick perennials (return yearly) or go grand with spring-blooming bulbs. Now get planting!