| For garden enthusiasts, the return of a perennial plant | | | | about its design before you start digging up the lawn |
| is much like the return of an old friend each year, a | | | | or tearing down the house. This step should not be |
| reunion of sorts. Same time, same place and nothing | | | | overlooked. Think carefully. In fact, take this as |
| much has changed, at least with the plant! | | | | seriously as you would if you were planning an |
| Dependable. Reliable. Something to count on. | | | | addition to the house. Anticipate the future: "what will |
| Something to look forward to. And, their return is not | | | | this look like in 3 years?" And, consider what it will |
| as long-lived as the annual which blooms all summer | | | | look like from many perspectives. A well-considered |
| and into fall; perennials will bloom for three or four | | | | border is a must, and most people prefer the gentle |
| weeks and it is their short stay that makes them | | | | sweeping curves rather than a rectangular "bed" that |
| even more attractive and once they are gone, we | | | | doesn't consider the contours of the landscape. Your |
| begin to anxiously await their return. Such is life, as a | | | | bed should have distinctive lines that work with the |
| gardener! | | | | house, the yard - make sure that your borders work |
| Perennials provide us with all sorts of choices. We can | | | | with the landscape, not fight with it. You don't want |
| plan our garden around our schedule. If spring is the | | | | your perennial bed to look like an unwanted guest. |
| time of year when you find yourself at home, you | | | | Get to know the plants you are putting into your |
| can tailor a perennial garden to bloom mainly in spring. | | | | garden. Each does have its own characteristic, and |
| Or, if you want continuous blooms, that can also be | | | | you need to know them well: |
| arranged with perennials. Themes can be achieved | | | | Sun-lovers don't like shade, hostas with a 4' spread |
| with perennials: the white garden, the butterfly | | | | need room and shouldn't be crammed next to |
| garden, the cutting garden, and the shade garden. | | | | anything, and the 3 foot tall delphinium should not go |
| You name it, you can have it. Gardening with | | | | into the front of the border. Know what you are |
| perennials is a bit like decorating your interior; you | | | | dealing with; learn about the growth habits of your |
| need design, imagination and a sense of what you | | | | plants before you put them in the ground! |
| ultimately want to achieve. And, just like decorating, | | | | And, decide how you are going to plant them. Do |
| mistakes will be made but they need not be | | | | you prefer a mass grouping of the same species, or |
| expensive or anxiety producing. Perennials are | | | | do you like a more specimen-oriented garden? Plants |
| accommodating and if it needs to be moved, you can | | | | are usually set out in three or five to a kind to |
| easily dig it up, move it and see what happens! | | | | create a sweeping, dramatic effect. Too many |
| And, as in any good decorating venture, planning is a | | | | different plants can sometimes make for a confusing |
| necessity or you will be sorry. So, pick your site and | | | | effect, a little too chaotic. Color, height, spread is all |
| make sure that your plant's needs match the | | | | factors that you need to consider before you plant. |
| particulars of that site. Ideally, you have a sunny, | | | | Perennial gardening is a combination of artistic |
| southeastern exposure with great soil. But, if not, no | | | | sensibilities, good solid planning and the willingness to |
| worries. Perennials come in many shapes, colors and | | | | make changes when needed. You need to be flexible. |
| sizes and they all have different requirements in | | | | You need to take a risk. You need to admit a |
| terms of soil and light. Unless you live on the 20th | | | | mistake! But, in the end, it is the most rewarding |
| floor in Manhattan, you can grow perennials. But, | | | | type of gardening for those who love to keep |
| know your site, know your soil and then get to | | | | tweaking their garden over the years. Perennial |
| know the plants that are best suited for your yard. | | | | gardeners talk about their returning plants like old |
| Make sure that you prepare a good bed, and think | | | | friends. |