Perennial Garden Ideas - How to Use Them in Your GardenNeed some perennial garden ideas? First, you have to understand what a perennial is. It is any plant that lives for three or more years. Many live much longer than that.Perennial garden plants don’t have woody stems like bushes and trees and typically die down to the ground during winter. Their roots are still alive though and in the spring they send up new growth. Perennials are the backbone of any garden design because they return year after year to your garden and once established require very little attention from you.
If you are trying to develop a perennial garden that is in bloom all summer it is a good idea to make frequent trips to your local nursery. Look for things that are currently blooming and gradually add new plants to your garden. It is also a good idea to ask questions. If you go to a reputable nursery, the gardeners are usually quite knowledgeable and more than happy to share their success tips and other perennial garden ideas with you. Another way to increase plants in your garden is to share with your neighbors and friends. Some perennials need to be dug up and divided every few years. This keeps them blooming well and creates more plants for your garden or to trade with another gardener. You might get some great perennial garden ideas by sharing plants. Pay attention to the habits of your plants. Some tend to get aggressive and want to take over your garden. Don’t hesitate to hack them back to make them behave. Others like peonies might stay in one place indefinitely and can be relied on for years and years. Still others might not thrive in your garden and unless you truly love it you might want to replace it with one that likes your garden better. Perennials are cold hardy to different degrees. Study a zone map to see where you’re at and don’t buy something that dies at 10 degrees if your winters typically get much colder. Buying plants that are locally grown will help you to obtain plants that will thrive in your garden. There are many, many perennials and if you don’t know where to start or what you like, take your time. Winter is perfect time to go to the library or a bookstore and invest in a good perennial encyclopedia. Or you could send away for some plant catalogs. Nothing is more relaxing than studying the luscious pictures in the seed catalogs on a cold snowy afternoon. Start a list of your favorites and learn their blooming times and habits. By spring you’ll be well armed with new knowledge and eager to start digging. How much sun does your garden get? Perennials don’t all require the same conditions. Some thrive in shade, while others require several hours of sunshine a day. Choose plants by the amount of sunshine your garden receives. Water requirements also differ and if you don’t want to be watering everyday pay attention to the water requirements for your new plants. Usually all of a plant’s requirements are listed on their tags, and again if in doubt-ask!
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