Today my friend and fellow gardener, Susan Boehm, will share with you her love and knowledge of perennials...
Perennial flowers hold a special place in our gardens because they come back year after year, become old friends and generate many special summer memories. They play a major role in the garden when planted among annuals, shrubs, trees and even vegetables. Most perennials are deciduous and die back in the winter while some remain evergreen. We grow evergreen hellebores (Lenten roses), autumn ferns, and grasses outside our kitchen bay window. They especially provide enjoyment in the winter when little else fills the garden.
Annuals bloom most of the summer whereas many perennials only bloom once. However when combined with other perennials, shrubs, annuals and dwarf trees the impact can be outstanding. Also, perennials do not necessarily require yearly replacement.
Most perennials are basically easy to grow though they do require regular watering since their roots are not a large as annuals and shrubs. Some require dividing every couple of years which has the advantage that they can easily be planted elsewhere in your garden or the gardens of friends and family. The biggest garden chore in caring for perennials is that after they bloom, most require trimming to keep them looking neat. However, some will repeat blooming after trimming and dead-heading
Another group of perennials to consider are the ornamental grasses which range from less than 2 ft to over 3 ft with 6 ft spikes. In the last 10 years grasses have taken on a variety of roles in gardens of every style. Perennial grasses can add color, texture, height and my favorite characteristic: movement with a breeze. Grasses less than 2 ft are used for edging and others provide that extra touch of texture among flowers grown in the garden or containers. They also provide a significant role when the perennials flowers and annuals are beyond their prime.
A major concern in gardening with perennials is that the number and variety provide the very daunting challenge of too many choices. There are numerous excellent and colorful books and articles that will help you integrate perennials into your garden. The challenge will be which ones to choose.
To find out a few of Susan's favorite perennials, which type she prefers, and why, simply click here.
Today my friend and fellow gardener, Susan Boehm, will share with you her love and knowledge of perennials...
Perennial flowers hold a special place in our gardens because they come back year after year, become old friends and generate many special summer memories. They play a major role in the garden when planted among annuals, shrubs, trees and even vegetables. Most perennials are deciduous and die back in the winter while some remain evergreen. We grow evergreen hellebores (Lenten roses), autumn ferns, and grasses outside our kitchen bay window. They especially provide enjoyment in the winter when little else fills the garden.
Annuals bloom most of the summer whereas many perennials only bloom once. However when combined with other perennials, shrubs, annuals and dwarf trees the impact can be outstanding. Also, perennials do not necessarily require yearly replacement.
Most perennials are basically easy to grow though they do require regular watering since their roots are not a large as annuals and shrubs. Some require dividing every couple of years which has the advantage that they can easily be planted elsewhere in your garden or the gardens of friends and family. The biggest garden chore in caring for perennials is that after they bloom, most require trimming to keep them looking neat. However, some will repeat blooming after trimming and dead-heading
Another group of perennials to consider are the ornamental grasses which range from less than 2 ft to over 3 ft with 6 ft spikes. In the last 10 years grasses have taken on a variety of roles in gardens of every style. Perennial grasses can add color, texture, height and my favorite characteristic: movement with a breeze. Grasses less than 2 ft are used for edging and others provide that extra touch of texture among flowers grown in the garden or containers. They also provide a significant role when the perennials flowers and annuals are beyond their prime.
A major concern in gardening with perennials is that the number and variety provide the very daunting challenge of too many choices. There are numerous excellent and colorful books and articles that will help you integrate perennials into your garden. The challenge will be which ones to choose.
To find out a few of Susan's favorite perennials, which type she prefers, and why, simply click here.