Perennial Garden Inspiration
Our perennial garden is slowly beginning to take shape, and I don't expect much this year, as we only planted back in May. I am starting to see which plants are going to thrive in our yard, and which plants will need a bit more support. It's quite exciting, and I am forever convinced that a perennial garden is what I love most. Just today I was able to go out into the garden and cut flowers for our dining table (photo above). It's comfort to my soul to be able to grow flowers for our own home, and for friends, neighbors, and family.
You certainly don't need horticultural perfection to have a blossoming perennial garden, it's actually quite easy. The biggest blessing received from perennials is they're strength to come back year after year, even after a wretched winter. You'll simply need to shop for perennials that grow and thrive in your planting zone, and give them the right amount of sunlight and moisture. You may lose a few plants along the way (save your receipts, most garden centers will take returns), but just after a few months you'll begin to see what's working best.
Better Homes and Gardens
In our yard we decided not to plant any trees, for now. We wanted to see how things grow back there, and we also wanted to give our neighbors a chance to put in their trees first (we live in a new neighborhood). This lets us know which areas of yard could use a tree or two, and if our neighbors are planting huge shade trees we may not even need to plant any ourselves. Pro Climbing Tree Services and other tree companies won't be needed for now, and that's a blessing.
Midwest Living
We are in love with purple and gold perennial combinations, but we do have several varieties of color throughout. There is no reason to feel that you need to find the right perennials, there isn't such a thing. It is nice to have a variety of color, and choose colors that you love most. It's also beneficial to choose perennials that bloom two or three seasons out of the year, this gives you the most color, and more flowers for your vases.
The French Tangerine
Here is a quick checklist to help if you're deciding to create a perennial garden:
Choose perennials that thrive in your planting zone (we are zone 5 here in northern CO).
Choose a variety of color, or choose one, depending on what you like.
Start with a few plants at a time to see how they'll do, especially if you're apprehensive.
Consider spacing, but don't leave too much space. Your plants will come with little tags that will let you know how big they'll grow. After a few years you'll want your flowers to fill up together, giving a beautiful lush garden.
Choose perennials that grow long skinny flowers, little mounds, and various shapes and textures.
Start with hose watering to see how the perennials respond. Once you know how much water they like, connect them to a drip line.
Better Homes & Gardens
Please leave comments below if you have any perennial gardening questions. We LOVE to help!
*This is a collaborative post.
