Re: planning perennial beds





Valerie Lowery@ZEON
01/18/99 08:19 AM

Rob,

I, too, like the lushness of those pictures you see in the mags and books.
I thought they were "staged", but they're not.  For one, try reading Tony
Lord's books on English border gardens.  It wasn't until I read the books
(and drooled mightily over the pictures), that I realized the intensive
work that goes into making a border look like it does.  You'd be surprised
at all of the staking, pinching, and number of plants that goes into making
a stunning display.

Second, I recommend reading the book that everyone is buzzing about, "The
Well-Tended Perennial Garden."  If you follow the author's guidelines, you
can make the existing plants you have last a little longer and look better
once they're finished blooming.  Having said that, realize too that having
one or two of a variety does not a garden make.  I try to go with at least
four to five of one variety to have bigger patches of color.
Unfortunately, this means bigger patches of green once they're finished.  I
try to stagger bloom times so that when a major plant is finished for the
year, the plant next to it is either beginning bloom or continuing it.
Annuals interspersed in the perennial garden help carry color too, and are
easy to start from seed or purchase from local nurseries.  Don't forget
summer bulbs such as oriental and asiatic lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, etc.
You can also plant several clumps of these throughout your garden.  Shrubs
are the backbone of any garden and look good year around.  Get flowering
shrubs and you've got a good start for longer color.

The possibilities are endless!  Remember that a garden is always a work in
progress.  It is never truly finished.


Val in KY
zone 6a


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