Perennials

There are many sorts of gardens, but most of them will include plants of the perennial herbaceous type. All this means is that the plants will have a softer growth rather than the twigginess of shrubs [that is the easy, condensed definition].

The main reason that many gardeners include perennials in their plans, however, is the fact that they provide so many variations of shape, texture, and color.  I would say most of my gardens consist largely of perennials and shrubs, with sub notes of bulbs and annuals. Perennials do require a certain amount of care and maintenance. Division of plants, replenishing their soil, and weed suppression. Some perennials can become weeds. Forewarned is fore-armed. If you have a special area for new plants you can get to know their habits, the area I first used for that is now one of my major garden areas. But when something like Macleaya cordata is said to be wide spreading, it can be a good idea to plant for that.

I grow some plants that are aggressive, but some, like the Macleaya can be contained in their own area with mowing. Sometimes a plant will run like wild and then dies out. I had to buy more pink Oenatheras  after losing them to drought. they were so prolific at first I pulled them out like weeds. But truly beautiful. Maybe we shouldn't worry so much about precise  grooming and set sizes for groupings.

That is my attitude, anyway.

First things first: look at the area in which you would like to add some perennials. Do you want good foliage or mainly colorful flowers? If you want mainly colorful flowers it is good to note that perennials have specific flowering times. If you desire bright color all season you will need several types of perennials and more than a bit of genius. Or large spaces that give way to one another in what is termed 'seasonal interest'. Annuals are a better bet for easy-all season color. See my page on Annuals. Placing some annuals among the perennials in the border is a good way to keep the color going throughout the summer.

This all is really not difficult, but along with color combinations is one challenge that makes gardening an addictive interest. The easiest approach is to ask yourself what you would like to see in a certain garden situation.

Steps to a Perennial Plan

In a door garden, island bed, or border, what season and colors does your imagination suggest to you? Picture this for yourself and then figure your practical considerations of sun, moisture, and soil and start looking over plant descriptions. Among the many books to help, the English authors seem to be the most imaginative with color ideas. The drawback is that Midwestern American gardening conditions are too tough for many of the recommended plants. If you've looked at some books, jotted down some ideas, a trip to a local nursery and information from agricultural extension services are resources to best match plants with your gardens.
-All right- that's the general; the details are what interest us! A list of perennials I like and grow:

A list of perennial plants. that I grow.