With so many current varieties and so many new ones coming to market each year, how can we narrow this garden design tip down to the top 3? Well I’m going to share with you my favorites along with some very important advice. But let’s get down to business shall we.
Favorite Pick Number 3 – Peony. I currently have three peonies; one white, one purple and one red. The biggest mistake I made was moving one once. It took years to bloom again. Each year I would wait for the bulbs to show and they never would. This year I finally got about 4 blooms! One of my favorite things to do is cut the flower and just drop it in a drinking water glass. The double bloom is extremely fragrant.
Favorite Pick Number 2 – Hydrangea. These plants are simply amazing. There are more than 70 different species. One of the most popular varieties is the Niko Blue Hydrangea. My favorite however is the Quick Fire. It blooms well before anything else (often starting in early May) and turns a rich deep pink keeping it’s color well into the fall. You can’t go wrong with this beauty.
Favorite Pick Number 1 – Hosta. The Hosta is probably the biggest staple in anyone’s garden. Never fails, looks great, and can be divided with the greatest of ease. The variety of foliage in unbelievable! One of my favorites has to be the Host Guacamole but for shear size and presence, the Blue Mammoth is, well, mammoth! I could make article after article on the different varieties I have just on my property. Go get yourself a few and when it’s time to split them, trade with a friend or neighbor and expand your personal collection.
Now here’s my best advise for any gardener (both the experienced and the noobe alike); limit the number of perennial varieties you have to a reasonable amount (excluding Hostas fo course!) The biggest mistake is selecting too many varieties and becoming overwhelmed with the care. You will be spread so thin that you may become disillusioned and give up your dream of having the most beautiful home and garden on the block.
August 20th, 2009 - 9:41 am
I have to agree with your top 3 perennials. These standards are wonderful foundation plants that provide an incredible amount of show. They are also easily maintained and contained, unlike many other types.