HOW TO

Design an Ever-Blooming Perennial Garden

Understand your plant  hardiness zone.

By understanding your bioregion, you can choose plants that will survive the seasons and come back to bloom each year, saving you money and helping you avoid disappointment.

Learn about native  plant species.

Native plants generally are easier to grow and maintain than non-native species, plus they also support local biodiversity and provide a haven for pollinators.

Think about the big picture.

Thinking about how and from where you will view your garden will help you to design a landscape that will be most pleasing to the eye.

Get to know your  garden space.

Take note of existing plants that are thriving, as you may want to keep them in your design.

Research and list favorite perennial plants.

Consult gardening books, websites, and magazines. Discover your own gardening style by noticing what draws you.

Categorize your choices.

Early season  (e.g., tulips, peonies, poppies) Mid season  (e.g., coneflowers, phlox, dianthus) Late season  (e.g., hostas, Russian sage)

Measure and map out  your garden.

1. Measure garden site. 2. Draw the dimensions on paper. 3. Indicate north and south on the map and areas of full and partial sun. 4. Include trees or buildings or existing plants you want to keep.

Place plants within the plan.

If you are having difficulty envisioning your garden and putting a plan together, search for low-maintenance flower bed ideas online for inspiration.

Have fun with color—and think beyond blooms.

Foliage, stems, and even berries can provide stunning pops of color in the perennial garden.

Keep your garden healthy to maximize bloom times.

A light yearly treatment of fertilizer or a yearly application of compost should provide adequate nutrition for your garden.

Be patient—with your garden and yourself.

Some perennial plants don’t bloom the first year they are planted, or even the second year.

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