Re: annuals - but also perennials!

At 11:17 AM 01/27/2000 EST, Janis wrote:
>You are wise to concentrate on the plants that thrive in your garden, but 
>don't be too quick to give up on the others.  It takes most perennials three 
>years to fully develop. (snip)
>On the other hand, some of the plants may well not be well suited to your 
>site. >>>>>>>

Thanks, Janis.   We did realize the first year would not be a true
indication of what would eventually develop, but there were some really
major disappointments. One of the plants I was very excited about was a
Thalictrum Rochebrunianum (Lavender mist meadow rue) which I had hoped
would thrive along the edge of the wooded area.  We bought a "plant" from
Wayside Gardens, planted it and cared for it, and it never grew more than
one or two little branches all season.  Moved it late summer to a more open
spot since the overhead trees had leaved in and provided a bit more shade
than anticipated, cut off the dying foliage and it sprung up again to about
6", then died back again.  If this is a plant which would eventually range
to 6 FEET, then this was obviously not going to happen any time soon.  

Dicentra was also a big disappointment.  We have plenty of ferns and things
growing in the areas where we planted this (and astilbe) and none of the
plants did anything. 

I fell in love with heuchera, and bought a group at a local nursery. They
did OK, but planting conditions were not the best, as they had not  been a
part of the original plan. We have ordered several more varieties this
year, and I hope they all thrive in their newly designated area, which is
partially shaded, along a raised area with shrubs and mulching......we like
evergreen ground covers as they fit our terrain and rustic  "look".....

My husband had great success with a lot of the other perennials he grew,
even some which said they would not bloom the first season, but did
beautifully.  I guess it is a case of the plant being happy in its
environment.   We did a lot of homework in making our plans, and Bob
especially took the requirements VERY literally, so everything was planted
in what we considered optimum conditions.  

Stoksia also did not do well, but monarda next to it thrived.  Erigeron did
not a thing. Shastas and coneflowers, and other asters were great.  I
forget the others which thrived, but overall, the gardens were lovely.  We
did not mix annals and perennials, which was probably a mistake, as, had
they been interspersed, they might have covered each other's failings.   

This year we have ordered more of the perennials which did well (Bluestone)
and Bob is also growing more from seed, which he had success with last year
(newly retired and this is his focus!).  But we have also stepped up the
annuals order, to fill in a lot of spots as the perennials develop.  

Years ago, in an old and beautifully landscaped home we bought, Bob had
such magnificent gardens that people stopped to inquire and admire. But
these were all annuals.  This current home is more rural and rustic, and
our thrust has been to try to maintain a landscape which is not formal, but
fits the woodsy location.  There is plenty of cleared open space to support
plants which need sun, but we really wanted to concentrate perennials along
the areas which border the woods, as a transition area.  That is why the
carefully chosen part shade, meadow type plants which did not develop were
such a disappointment (to me, anyway!).

I think this year we will be quicker to jump in and ask if something is not
doing what we expect.  We were just getting our feet wet last year.....

Thanks again,
Georgia
Bob & Georgia Parker
gardening in Foxborough MA - Zone 6
a*@ici.net

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