How to Grow an Easy Perennial Garden

Do you want a beautiful, carefree garden, but don't have the time or the green thumb? Not a problem! There are many beautiful perennial plants that are low maintenance and hardy, too. With just a little planning and a Saturday afternoon, you can have a low maintenance, gorgeous perennial garden that will bring you years of enjoyment and tons of compliments!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plan
• Budget
• Shovel
• A few hours

1. RESEARCH which perennials thrive in your area. A good way to do this is to visit your local nurseries and ask a gardening expert there. Another way is to look around your neighborhood and see what your neighbors are growing. You can also find out information on the Internet and at your local library.
   
   Below, I will list some perennials that do well in most areas, but again, make sure that they are hardy in your zone, before planting them in your landscape.

2. 
    
   Hostas are low maintenance and gorgeous

   HOSTAS - There is really no other perennial like a Hosta. Hostas are a low growing perennial with gorgeous leaves. They do bloom, but not significantly. Their blooms attract hummingbirds. After they bloom, just cut down the stems to the leaf level. Hostas make a great border for your landscaping project. They spread each year and can be split and transplanted easily. There is no fall or spring clean up with Hostas, which is just another reason to love the Hosta.

3. 
    
   Stella D'Oro Daylilies are hardy and have a long blooming season

   DAY LILLIES - Day Lilies are another hardy perennial. They have nice green leaves all summer long. Then for about 3-4 weeks, they have big, beautiful blooms. Each flower only last for one day, but there are many, many blooms. Some Daylillies rebloom during the season, such as the Stella D'Oro Daylily. Daylillies, like Hostas can be divided and transplanted to other parts of your garden. In the Fall, you will want to clean up the dead leaves and stems.

4. 
    
   Black Eyed Susans make great flowers for cutting

   BLACK EYED SUSANS - Black Eyed Susans are favorite of many. They resemble sunflowers and have a long blooming season. You can spot them from afar and they almost 'glow.' They make excellent cut flowers for vases, too. They multiply each year, making them very easy to share or transplant to other areas in your garden.

5. 
    
   Plant Coneflowers for Color and Butterflies

   CONE FLOWERS - Cone Flowers are similar to Black Eyed Susans, except that they come in different colors. They also attract butterflies.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different perennials in your landscape
• Trade and share plants with friends, family and neighbors

Resources

• Book: Easy Gardens for the South

[skyedanzer]

on 6/5/2009 Great article and information