Perennials are the shining stars in a full bloom garden. Every year I look forward to planning and planting perennial flowers. It’s probably my favorite garden experience. Because they blossom only three to six weeks you want to insure you always have plants in bloom. So just like annuals, you need to be aware of your plants specific growing needs. Be aware of their climate zones.
Perennials are a little fussier than annuals to temperature requirements. We generally buy our flowers from our garden center in order to take advantage of the short bloom seasons of these plants. The majority of perennials require well-drained soil conditions. If you have low lying areas in your garden it would be wise to not plant perennials there because standing water and soggy soil can damage the roots and very likely kill your plants.
If your garden annuals and other assorted plants require a richer soil than most perennials like you can find some perennials that also prefer those conditions. This goes back to knowing the plants requirements and if you can provide the optimum growing conditions for them. Talk to other gardeners that may be able to provide tips on your particle planting needs.
Perennials need less watering than your vegetables. My suggestion is to just keep an eye on them. If you notice they are beginning to wilt you know they are thirsty. Water the plants when they are young, or during unusually dry conditions. Make sure to water deeply or skip watering all together.
Keep in mind when your design your garden flowers to keep the shorter plants up front so as not to be hidden by the taller plants. When we plant our flowers we try to plant contrasting foliages next to each. This is our favorite method because the foliage contrast can be as appealing as your flowers. Water your perennials after you transplant them. After digging the hole fill it with water and let it drain before placing your plant in the hole. Water the plants deeply.
I hope you enjoy planning and planting your perennials as much as we do!
Nancy Merkle is an long time amateur gardener from the Chicago area. She enjoys sharing some of her tips she has accumulated through the years with anyone that would like to visit her Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/perennials-the-shining-stars-of-your-kitchen-garden-962495.html
website.