HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-05-04, Page 19Perennial favourites
Gaye Datema tends to the perennials at her greenhouse. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
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Because you do dream in colour.
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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2006. PAGE 19.
Make the right choices when planting perennials
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
Year after year they bring beauty
and colour to the landscape.
They do, that is, if they are done
properly.
Perennial beds can be a daunting
project for the novice gardener. With
so many options, and the ideal of
seasbn-long colour where to
begin can seem somewhat
overwhelming.
Gaye Datema, owner of Wetsinge
Farm Flowers, said the first step for
any garden is to determine the type
of flowers that will work in the
area.
"Look at whether the garden is in
sunlight or a shadier spot, then get
information on the type of
perennials that will work."
The shape of the garden is another
factor to consider. For a nice round
bed, Datema suggests planting the
taller plants in the centre then
working out.
For example in a shady area, a
hosta bed is a nice option with irises
in the centre for colour and
height.
Perennial grasses can also create a
dramatic effect.
If your bed is against a building,
make sure the taller plants, such as
monkshood are at the back, then
slope down from there.
"Start with a plan," she said. "Use
magazines to get ideas then research
to see if the plants will work where
you want them."
Another factor to consider,
particularly where there are pets or
young children, is that many
perennials are toxic.
Pay attention to the directions that
accompany the plant you buy. "It
gives you advice on planting and
what to expect." .
To keep from being overwhelmed
by the choices, Datema suggests
starting modestly with just a few
varieties. Add as time goes on. Start
with a basic few, and if they don't fill
the bed, add some annuals for
colours."
Another factor determining how
many different varieties of
perennials you opt for, is the
landscaping scale.
"Some like nice, contained plants
that are easy to handle and maintain.
Things like irises and day lilies stay
where they are, while others spread
significantly and you have to be
aware of that."
Regardless of how ambitious you
choose to be, Datema said it's
probable that the bed will be a little
sparse the first year, but should have
filled out by the second year. "In the
meantime just fill in with annuals. I
guarantee you won't need them by
the third year."
And while perennial beds are
beautiful, Datema stresses that they
are not without maintenance.
"They are visually attractive and
give the idea that you don't have to
work _at them, but that's not
true."
'She suggested that you will want
to start thinning the perennials out
by that time so the bed doesn't get
overgrown and cluttered.
Then you can decide whether
or not to transplant and create a
whole new area of beauty in the
year.
At season's end, Datema said to
keep the leaves in the beds for
protection from frost.
"And don't clean them at the first
sign of spring. But once the danger
of frost is over clear those beds
well."
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