Well, now that we have designed our layout and considered our location, let's talk about what to plant. My preference is to have perrenials that will spread and can be divided and put in other spots. I think that having the same plants in gardens near each other is a thread that pulls them together. Just like color in the home, it is best to have a color scheme throughout the yard to give you a sense of cohesion.
So, do you like bright and vibrant colors? Or is a soft and more Monet garden your style? Also, be sure to think about the foilage on the plants, as the perrenials will not flower all season long. So having some feathery foilage next to bold is a nice contrast and adds interest. It is also important to think about the shades of green you will use.
Lime green looks great with vibrant tones, as does a dark green. Blue and gray greens look wonderful with the softer most pastel flowers.
Here's a list of some of my favorite plants for shade:
- Hostas
- Coralbells
- Hydrangeas
- Astilbe
- Anenomes
- Ferns
- Angel Begonias
For sun you have a huge selection to pick from.
- Roses, especially the new varieties that do not need so much special care
- Lilies
- Achillea
- Salvias
- Rudbeckia
- Coneflowers
- Russian sage
Plant in multiples. It is better to start with fewer varieties and have a good showing, than to have one of everything and nothing really shows. Remember that when you start a perrenial garden, the first year most of the growth is in the root system, so you must be patient. Add annuals for color and to fill in the spaces.
You will be annually rewarded for your work, and have many years of pleasure.
