Having perennials in your garden is a must, and for many reasons.
Well-planted and established perennial gardens basically look after themselves, requiring the gardener to sit back and enjoy. Perennials also come back for years and provide additional variety and interest to your garden, even when not in bloom.
But, there are some rules to follow to create a lush and beautiful perennial garden.
Perennials can be planted any time from spring throughout the growing season up until three weeks before the ground freezes in late fall. But, before any plant is put into the ground, prepare the soil with some form of fertilizer, compost or manure.
Most perennials bloom for two to three weeks period, each at certain times during the growing season. By understanding when the plant blooms, you can coordinate in order to have a continual bloom cycle. This is also the case with colour. Choose your colour palate that will create a view that pleases the eye.
Perennials aren’t necessarily grown for bloom. Many provide great foliage or interesting growth habits. For instance with hundreds of varieties available, many people use hostas to provide interest throughout the season.
When placing perennials, always plant the tallest plants in the back of the border, then work down in height, with the shortest plants at the front of a border.
The great thing about perennials is that if you find they are too tall or short, or the location is wrong, simply dig them up and move to a new location.
Always remember when planting perennials to leave the proper amount of space to accommodate the plant when it reaches maturity. Some plants may take two or three years before they reach maximum height and width. While waiting for the plant to fill the bare space, you can always fill the area with annuals.
A local garden centre is the best place to purchase your perennials. They provide plants that will survive your respective zone. As well, most centres will have great sales on their perennials, which will give you a chance to save on your purchases.
Learn a bit about perennials and let your creative side create a beautiful garden that allows you to sit back and enjoy the view.
