What are Perennials?

        A perennial is any plant that lives for three or more years. Many live much longer than that.  Perennial garden plants don’t have woody stems like bushes and trees and typically die down to the ground during winter.  Their roots are still alive though and in the spring they send up new growth.

         Perennials are the backbone of any garden design because they return year after year to your garden and once established require very little attention from you.

         Although perennials come back every year, they generally do not blossom for an entire season.  Instead they bloom for two to three weeks at a specific time of year.  Their foliage though lasts until frost and often creates interesting depth and color to your garden.

         Now you have a basic understanding of perennials, but of course there are exceptions to these rules.  Newer hybrids can sometimes bloom longer and some plants will have a second bloom if you deadhead the blossoms as soon as they fade.  (Deadheading 

means to cut off flower heads that have finished blooming.) 

   The next step in creating a perennial garden is to understand 

  how much sun does your garden gets.  Perennials don’t all require the same conditions.  Some thrive in shade, while others require several hours of sunshine a day.  Choose plants by the amount of sunshine your garden receives.

         Water requirements also differ and if you don’t want to be watering everyday pay attention to the water requirements for your new plants.        

         If you are trying to develop a perennial garden that is in bloom all summer it is a good idea to make frequent trips to your local nursery.  Look for things that are currently blooming and gradually add new plants to your garden. (It will take a few years for a new perennial garden to reach maturity and fill up your garden.  In the meantime fill in bare spots with colorful annuals.)

        When you buy new plants try to go to a reputable nursery and ask questions.  Usually, the gardeners are quite knowledgeable and more than happy to share their success tips with you. Usually, a plant’s requirements are listed on their tags,  but sometimes I find the information too general or incomplete so again if in doubt-ask! 

 Another way to increase plants in your garden is to let neighbors and friends that you are starting a garden.  Most likely you'll find people who want to share their bounty.   This is because some perennials need to be dug up and divided every few years. This keeps them blooming well and and in turn creates more plants for your garden or to trade with another gardener.

Once you have some plants, pay attention to their growing habits.  Some tend to get aggressive and want to take over your garden.  Don’t hesitate to hack them back to make them behave.  Others like peonies might stay in one place indefinitely and can be relied on for years and years.  Still others might not thrive in your garden and unless you truly love it you might want to replace it with one that likes your garden better.

         Perennials are cold hardy to different degrees.  Study a zone map to see where you’re at and don’t buy something that dies at 10 degrees if your winters typically get much colder.  Buying plants that are locally grown will help you to obtain plants that will thrive in your garden.

         There are many, many perennials and if you don’t know where to start or what you like, take your time.  Winter is perfect time to go to the library or a bookstore and invest in a good perennial encyclopedia.  Or you could send away for some plant catalogs. Nothing is more relaxing than studying the luscious pictures in the seed catalogs on a cold snowy afternoon. Start a list of your favorites and learn their blooming times and habits. By spring you’ll be well armed with new knowledge and eager to start digging.

         

What is an Annual?

        An annual goes through its entire life cycle in a single season.  They germinate from seeds, grow to mature plants, flower and die within several months.  Annuals are fun!  They are awesome for children to grow and they are the pop in your garden.

         Annuals are the beautiful colors that flood our nurseries in the spring.  They are geraniums, petunias, impatiens, zinnias, alyssum, cleome, and nasturtium to name a few. Don't you just love the names?  Everyone has their favorites and they come in so many colors that even the fussiest gardener can find the perfect color to highlight their garden.

It’s fun to start your annuals from seed, but look for ones that have a short germination and short maturation period to do this.  Otherwise they might take most of the summer to mature and flower. Nasturtium, sunflowers, and zinnias all are quick growers, but if you want a whole season of color I would buy petunias, impatiens, salvia, and and lobelia as small bedding plants because they take longer to reach blooming stage.

Unlike perennials, annuals do bloom for the whole season, and by continuing to remove faded blossoms (deadheading) consistently all season you will keep your garden tidy and insure that your annuals keep blooming.

  

Annuals look good in borders, pots and window boxes. I also like to squeeze them in the spaces between my perennials and voila -an ever blooming garden!

Annuals will die after a frost and they can be pulled up and removed from your garden.  They will also die in the spring if you plant them too soon!They are pretty cold sensitive.  I live in zone 5.  That means our winters are long and cold.  The rule of thumb for my area is to wait until after Memorial Day to put your annuals into the garden.  (There have been several years though that I plant mine around the 15th.)  If you can't wait either be sure to protect them from late cold snaps!

Now that you have a pretty good idea what an annual is, I’m going to confuse you a little.  Actually, probably more than half of our annuals are really tender perennials.  That means that somewhere else in the world where the climate is milder some of our annuals would act like perennials.  It is winter’s cold that kills them-not their genetic makeup.  You know this is true if you’ve ever been on vacation and seen plants that we have to baby, growing like weeds in the ditches of their native habitat.

When you’re buying a package of seeds, read carefully the directions on the package.  It will tell you how and when to sow your particular seeds and any other relevant information to help you be successful in growing beautiful annuals.

These are the annual flower seeds that jumped into my grocery basket this morning.

(We have had ENOUGH winter!)

 Just Julie

Starting Seeds

Starting Seeds is a simple task, but with a little up front knowledge it can be more successful than just tossing some seeds out and hoping for the best.

Recently plant hardiness maps have been updated and revised in some areas. Knowing your zone is the first order of business. Once you know that study the chart below to figure out the zone’s first and last frost dates so you’ll know when it is safe to start seeds outside.

USDA Hardiness Zone	First Frost Date	Last Frost Date
1	July 15th	June 15th
2	August 15th	May 15th
3	September 15th	May 15th
4	September 15th	May 15th
5	October 15th	April 15th
6	October 15th	April 15th
7	October 15th	April 15th
8	November 15th	March 15th
9	December 15th	February 15th
10	December 15th	January 31st (sometimes earlier)
11	No frost.	No frost.

Now get out your calendar and read your seed package very carefully. There is not one formula for planting all your seeds. Each seed has it’s own requirements and using a one size fits all formula is actually a formula for disappointment.

If you have several packages of seeds to plant it might be helpful to read all the packages and make notes right on your calendar. 
Once you’ve done that you’ll have created a pretty organized chart of when to plant what.

Some seeds you’ll want to start inside several weeks before your last frost date so that they’ll be ready to put outside when your garden is warm enough to accept them.

Others don’t transplant well and you’re better off sowing them directly into your garden when the time is right, but the timing is important because if the soil is still too wet and cold, the seeds may die before they ever germinate.

Some seeds, though actually need a cold treatment so you might be told to sow as soon as you are able in the spring or even in the fall if your growing season is long and the winter is mild.

Now to complicate it even further, some seeds need darkness to germinate and some won’t germinate at all in the dark. So if it gives directions on your seed package about planting depth follow it carefully. If it says to scatter on top of the soil and gently rake the surface that’s because those seeds probably need light to germinate.

If it says to dig a small trench and cover with an inch of soil do that- beware though an inch doesn’t mean 3-6 inches. Bury your seeds too deeply and they might not ever grow either.

Most vegetable are annuals and complete a whole life cycle within a season, so starting them from seeds is practical, but flowers can be annual, biannual or perennial so starting them all from seed can be a very slow laborious process- especially if we’re talking perennials. 

Annual flowers are the easiest to grow from seed and of those there some that when sown directly into the garden will reward you with flowers in about two months.

The longer it takes a plant to germinate seeds and grow to maturity, the more benefit there is in starting them inside so that you can enjoy them flowering for a longer time in your garden.

Some of my favorite annual flowers that grow easily from seeds are amaranth, zinnias, snapdragons, larkspur, nasturtiums, sunflowers, California poppies, cosmos, and cleome. All of these mature in a relatively short period of time and are fun to watch grow.

Cardinal climber, Black-eyed Susan vine, and morning glory are all vines that grow easily from seed.  Plant them where you want them to grow and you won’t have to worry about transplanting them.

Many bedding plants like petunias, begonias, and impatiens can be bought as seeds but you’re better off buying plants because they take a longer time to reach maturity and if the growing season is only about three months you won’t be getting flowers until pretty late into the season.

So with all the pitfalls of starting seeds what are some good reasons for doing it.  Well for one thing it can be less expensive.  It’s not , though, if you have to invest in peat pots, shelves, lights and heat mats, but those are usually one time investments and if you plan on starting seeds every year it’s well worth the price.

Starting seeds might become a hobby, and if you enjoy doing it and have the time and space to do it right, it’s a great hobby.  It does take time and space though and if you’re very busy, or lacking space, it might not be your best option.

Heirloom seeds are seeds that have retained their original characteristics even after many, many generations and some people start plant from seeds because they want to preserve these heirloom qualities.

Sometimes you might want a particular color or variety of plant and the only way you can find it is in a seed package. Or perhaps it’s just an adventure, and when it is dark, cold and gloomy outside watching tiny seeds emerge from the dirt is a hopeful, joyous thing to do.

Maybe you have small children in your life and starting seeds is akin to starting a life long love of all things green. (One of the best reasons ever for starting seeds!)

Or if you’re like me you have absolutely no will power when it comes to leaving the delightful packages sitting forlornly in the plant rack.  They all really deserve to come home with me…today!

These are all very good reasons (well maybe not the last one, but you get the idea) for starting seeds and worth risking the pitfalls that might occur.  Have fun with your seed adventures this spring.

Just Julie

Perennial Gardening Ideas

Perennial gardening ideas are probably as numerous as there are gardeners, but if you’re new to gardening and want some help planning your own perennial garden, it can be   overwhelming at first.

My best advice though, is to plunge in and go for it.  Gardening can be learned, but the best teacher will be yourself and your own experience.

If you are serious about having a perennial garden, some observation and planning will help you to be more successful.  First of all study your space.  There are different perennial gardening ideas for all kinds of situations. Is it Sunny? Shady? Dry or wet in your yard?  Once you know the environment of your space, learn what plants will thrive in it.

A few other things to consider when planning the placement of your garden are the easy access to water, the location of buried sewer systems, and electric cables, nearby tree roots, and finally, perhaps it’s important for you to see your garden when you’re inside your house. If so, plan accordingly.

Let’s say you know where you want your garden to be. Your next step is to prepare the soil.  The work you put in at the beginning might be extensive, but in the long run, it will benefit you with healthier plants with more abundant growth and flowers.

Perennial gardening ideas involve knowing what kind of soil you have.  Basically there are three types of soil heavy clay, good garden soil, and sandy soil that dries out quickly.  Most flowering perennials appreciate soil that is closer to the middle of the scale.

Chances are whatever your soil is it could afford to be improved upon a bit.  Adding a 2-4 inch layer of rich humus and digging it into your soil will make a better home for your future garden than just plunking your new perennials into whatever is already present.

Doing some hardscaping in the beginning is also a good idea.  Are you going to plant in a circle around a central focal point?  Is your garden going to be surrounded by a fence or shrubs?  Are there paths?  Is privacy an issue?  Do you want somewhere to sit? Do you plan on using trellises or arbors?

Do hardscaping first and then build you garden around it.

Start small.  Perennials are expensive at first, but of course they get more affordable the longer they live in your garden. Annuals are cheaper in the beginning, but since they have to be purchased every year they eventually become more expensive in the long run.

Choose your perennials carefully.  Don’t start out with the unfamiliar and exotic.  These will be more apt to give you problems than something that you’ve long admired and obviously grows well in all your neighbors’ gardens.

Read the tags, follow them carefully, and ask questions of anyone you think can help you.  Gardeners love to share their successes and most would probably be very eager to help you if you have a question.

Whatever your perennial gardening idea is, do your homework.  I say this, but many of us probably start out gardening because we inherited a garden when we bought a new property, or our neighbor gave us some plants that she divided and didn’t have room for, or perhaps your grandmother gave you an heirloom rose bush that she doesn’t want to give to just anyone.  So now do your homework!  What do you need to do to protect these unexpected garden treasures?

Gardens come in all sizes, shapes, and styles and there are perennial gardening ideas for all of them.  Do you know your style?  If you want a formal garden, you might consider some perennial shrubs like boxwood that can be neatly trimmed into borders or shapes. 

Look at pictures and identify the plants that are commonly used in your favorite style, then shop purposely for these.

If your garden is more casual or if your purpose is to provide food and shelter for birds you might want to invest in highbush cranberry bushes or flowering dogwood as borders.

Do flopping flowers annoy you?  If so look for plants with sturdy stems that do not need staking.  Don’t invest in plants that require more care than you’re willing or able to give them.  On the other hand, if a cottage garden is more your style you probably won’t mind the floppers as much.

Perennial garden ideas are easy to find in garden magazines and if you find a picture that appeals to you cut it out.  Study it carefully.  Take it with you when you go to your favorite local gardening center.  Ask someone what plants could be used to achieve a similar look in your area.

There are magazines to match every gardening style imaginable too so look for perennial gardening ideas in an appropriate publication. Here are some garden styles that might pique your interest:  Besides formal gardens and cottage gardens, there are shade gardens, fragrant gardens, color scheme gardens, and gardens that specialize in one plant like roses, lilies or hostas.

Eclectic gardens might be filled with garden art or found objects. Edible gardens might have vegetables interspersed among the perennials. Cutting gardens, bog gardens, rock gardens and herb gardens all have specialized needs and plants that may or may not be appropriate in another style of garden.

Be patient. Perennials grow steadily bigger every year. They probably won’t look picture perfect immediately, and if you buy young plants they may not even bloom the first year. 

Gradually add plants to your perennial garden and look for things that complement what you already have.  Look for plants that have similar growing requirements to be the most successful. 

If you’re like me, bring a list with you to the garden center.  I am often overwhelmed by the beauty and variety of plants available and I’m apt to make an impulse purchase if I don’t have a list with me.

Be flexible.  Perennial garden ideas abound, but sometimes Mother Nature has a different (and usually better idea) than you could have ever imagined.)  Go with it!

If a perennial you really wanted doesn’t thrive in a spot, try to find another place for it that it might like better.  If something you thought would be short decides to overpower its neighbors, move it.  Replant it nearer the back of the garden. 

If you stumble on something you really love, make room for it and if something disappoints you or bores you- get rid of it! There are no hard and fast rules.  Be comfortable to do what works for you.

Most plants are somewhat adaptable and sometimes they surprise us and flourish in odd places.  If that happens to you, enjoy the serendipity and the compliments that are sure to come your way.

Hopefully some of these perennial gardening ideas are ones that will help you to have your best garden ever and thanks for reading Julie's Garden Journal.