Why Perennials

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Posted by @eclayne on
How have your views of gardening changed over the years? I had always had an appreciation for gardens and gardening, but my interest was in trees and shrubs, evergreens in particular because of our long drab winters.

Several years ago while visiting a development across from Mt. Holyoke College, I noticed some extremely impressive plants. The foliage was varied in color and texture and many of the specimens were larger than I’d ever seen in the Northeast. One had a plant tag, Hosta. I don’t remember the varieties but these were nothing like the Hosta I grew up with. They were blue, gold, green, variegated, corrugated and some had huge leaves. Research followed and my awakening to the wonders of perennial plants had begun.
Thumb of 2013-06-15/eclayne/14caf2

Over time I realized that, other than the “shades of green,” my old motto, the yard lacked focus much of the year. Transitions from shrub to lawn somehow started to look abrupt, something I hadn’t realized. Then I started to carve out homes for a few Hosta and was hooked! What was abrupt became gradual and more graceful. Lavender or white blooms on tall scapes drew the eye.
Thumb of 2013-06-16/eclayne/600446

Hosta, of course, need companions in the shade, so Heuchera led to Astilbe and others. Here in Massachusetts I learned Astilbe aren’t really shade loving plants. Put them in part sun and they thrive. Ligularia, on the other hand, don’t like direct sun regardless of the amount of water they get.

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This bed is in its second year.

Ferns have been creeping into my shade gardens with greater frequency as nothing quite matches them for a lush look. Maidenhair, Lady Fern, and Sensitive Fern are relatively undemanding and are happy with the same amount of water as Hosta. The same holds true of the Japanese Painted Ferns. In my opinion the king of the northeast ferns is the Ostrich Plume, and one of these days I’ll get one to survive. This is something I’ve learned from my gardening friends here at All Things Plants, don’t give up on a plant just because you’ve failed a time or two.

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Also a second year bed.

Gardening has become a much richer and rewarding experience since my “discovery” of perennials, but I suppose that’s something you’ve known all along.

 
Comments and Discussion
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
Good for you! by Sharon Jun 24, 2013 2:54 PM 14
Why Perennials by alwaysbehindMN Jun 22, 2013 9:01 AM 1
Wow! by Bubbles Jun 21, 2013 12:49 PM 2

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