Choosing the right place:
Most flowers need about 6 hours of sun each day, so make sure to choose a spot in your garden that would receive the most sunlight. Do not worry if your garden is largely sunless, as most plants tolerate shade. Make sure to check plant tags or ask members of staff when you buy, of how much sun a plant requires. Once you have chosen a place, clear the ground. Get rid of the sod covering the area where you want to plant. The quickest way to do this is to dig it out, but it is easier to smother it with newspaper. A layer of 5 sheets is usually thick enough, and with a roughly 3 inch layer of compost on top, it'll take about 4 months for the compost and paper to decompose.
Improving the soil before planting:
Most plants thrive in moist, but well drained soil. Which simply means that it retains moisture but doesn't get too wet. To boost the soil you need organic matter. Which is a 2 to 3 inch layer of compost, decayed leaves, dry grass clippings, or old manure. If you decide to dig the ground, mix and re-fill the soil with the organic matter. If you decide not to dig, leave the organic matter on the surface and it will slowly work its way into the soil over a period of a few months. Digging the soil also loosens it so the roots can penetrate it more easily. But digging if the soil is too wet or too dry can ruin its structure. It is best to dig when the soil is moist, soft and loose. Use a spade to turn the top 8 to 12 inches of soil, whilst also mixing in the organic matter. With annual flowers, turn the soil only once a year in the spring before you plant.
Picking the right flowers:
There are two types of flowers, annuals and perennials. Annuals are summer flowers, which are planted in the spring and die when autumn comes. Perennials are flowers that stay dormant in winter and grow back in the spring. When choosing flowers always take into consideration your climate, soil, and the amount of sunlight in your garden. Perennials and roses do best in full sun, that means at least 6 hours of full sunlight each day. When growing roses, the key thing to remember is pruning.
Some easy to grow annuals are: Cosmos, Marigolds, Impatiens, Geraniums, Calendula, Sunflowers and Zinnias
Some easy to grow perennials are: Russian Sage, Roses, Shasta daisy's, Gladiolus, Tulips, Pansies and Daylilies.
Some specific types of flowers you can get are bedding plants, climbing flower plants and pond flower plants. Bedding plants are seasonal fast growing flowers temporarily planted for display. They can give lovely blooms that will last for a long period of time. Climbing flower plants are perfect for when you have limited gardening space, as well as bringing life to otherwise dull and boring bare walls. Climbing plants include Clemantis, Ipomoea, and even Roses. Pond flower plants are perfect for wet and marshy landscapes. Lotuses and Lillies are the most common pond flower, but Water Poppoes and Water Cannas are some other striking choices.
Planting:
Midspring and mid autumn are good times to plant perennial flowers. Whereas annual flowers should only be planted in spring, after the danger of frost or cold weather has passed in your area. Some plants are easy to grow from seed, and you can sow them directly into your garden. Make sure to read the seed packet information about when to plant, how deep to plant and how far apart to plant the sees. An easier method is to buy young plants, called set plants or transplants. These only require for you to dig a hole and plant them into the ground.
Caring for planted flowers:
After planting seedlings, they should never be allowed to dry out, so watering daily is essential whilst they are small. New transplants also need frequent watering, every other day or so, until their roots become established. After that, how often you need to water depends on your soil, climate and how often it rains. Fertiliser is also very beneficial for your flower garden. If using dry fertiliser, fertilize about halfway through the season, and if using a liquid fertiliser, fertilise roughly every month. Another thing to consider are weeds, making sure to pull them before they get big. An alternative would be to cover the soil in a couple of inches of mulch. There is a variety of mulch available, from pine needles to cocoa hulls to bark chips. For annual flowers, choose a mulch that decomposes in a few months. For perennials, use a longer lasting mulch such as bark chips.
Sources:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/garden-care/ten-steps-to-beginning-a-garden/
http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/beginner-gardening.html
https://gardenseason.com/flower-gardening-for-beginners/
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