Welcome to Steve's Garden homepage.
The Perennial page is designed to introduce you to the wonderful world of perennials. Perennials are nonwoody plants that live for two
or more years. Although perennials are generally more expensive than annuals
they come back year after year. Their diversity makes them suitable for many different sizes and types of gardens.
Choosing Perennials
Perennials have an immense variety of shape, form, colour, texture and scent.
Since most of the time the foliage outlasts the flowers it is important to consider
the ornamental qualities of the foliage as well as the flower. As with all plants
make sure that the perennials you select are appropriate for growing conditions of your garden.
Again most reputable garden centers will help you with selection of your perennials.
When choosing perennials try to choose plants that will flower at different times
of the growing season. Some perennials flower in early spring while others will flower
mid-summer and in the fall. If you plan carefully you can have flowers for most
of the growing season.
General Design Principles
The first thing to do when designing your perennial bed is to remember to allow room for the plants to spread as
they mature. In general plant tall perennials at the back of the border and
short ones at the front. Try to ensure that plants are not hidden behind one another.
Of course you can vary this. If you have a particularly showy tall perennial
you may want to plant it at the front as a specimen planting. Also try to plant
small and medium sized plants in groups of one type. This gives your plants more
visual impact.
How to get Started
Once again the key to success is to do a little research and planning. Visit
your local garden center, check out a few books, or magazines on perennials and
decide what you want your garden to look like. (Don't forget to BUDGET!)Beginning
shortly I plan to feature one or two perennials a month that I have had success
with in my own garden. (Pictures too!!!)Come back soon!
The Reading Corner
- Cole, Trevor Practical Guide to Gardening in Canada RD Press, Montreal 1993.
- Lancaster, Roy What Plant Where, Cavendish Books,
Vancouver 1995.
- Hole, Lois Perennial Favorites Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver 1995.
If you have any questions just e-mail me at
perrys@glen-net.ca
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