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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-04-15, Page 57Design your garden with perennial charm If you have ever wondered why those British cottage gardens always seem to be a myriad of color from spring to fall, it is because the British know the secret of perennials. A perennial is a herbaceous plan that comes up every year, in more or less the same location in which it was originally planted. Peonies, daylilies and irises are all good ex- amples of perennials. Plants such as petunias, sweet alyssum and geraniums by contrast, do not over - winter and are referred to as annuals. Annuals however, should not be overlook- ed in the perennial border because they pro- vide a consistent, reliable base of color throughout the growing season. "The charm of the perennial border is change; your garden will take on new colors, from one week to the next," says Fiona Rin- toul, a graduate of the University of Guelph's master of landscape architecture program. For this reason, herbaceous perennial borders require thoughtful planning — a perfect job for a few long winter nights, she added. To do this, you will need trace paper ( available in art supply stores), a soft lead pencil, some pencil crayons and a good reference guide on perennials. A draftsman's scale is also helpful so that you can accurately plot the dimensions of your garden; however, a ruler may. be substituted. A good reference book on perennials will -list both the botanical (Latin) name and the common name for every plant — which is important since you may need both at the garden centre. This reference book should also give details on height, varieties, planting distance_ , color availability, blooming period as well as any other plant -specific informa- tion you may need to achieve peak performance. Color photos are also extremely helpful. Some reliable sources are: A.R. Buckley's "Canadian Garden Perennials"; J.L. Faust's "The New York Times Book of Annuals and Perennials"; Hay and Synge's "The Color Dictionary of Flowers and Plants for Homes and Gardens": and Time Turn to page 3 2 PERENNIAL CHARM — The charm of a perennial garden is change; your garden will take on new colors from one week to the next. Here, Ontario Hor- ticultural Association Past President Marjorie Durnford of Guelph, Ont., cuts a few fresh flowers from her garden. (photo by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food). P®ge 31 PHOTO A COMPANION PLANTING — Using herbs and vegetables in your flower garden can make better use of limited space and provide interesting textures and colors to your landscape. Here, parsley and chives are planted beside marigolds. —I Alllnu.... sua �udIIIIIIIIIIIIi.��.n-+"�.1 We have... MOBILE HOMES (up to 72 ft. x 14 ft.) DOUBLE WIDE HOMES (up to 60 ft. x 26 ft.) s"F f •• 3 iIIIIt� 11=;II_..�tlll�=��, Ill ��1'Jt.l1.l �y�li+l� .111E �f, :Illi MODU 1R HOMES SPLIT ENTRY HOMES TRI -LEVEL HOMES TWO STOREY HOMES Make an appointment to discuss your needs. Ask for... DOUG MOF%GAat 482-7066 We have Tots available at FIVE SEASON EST' TE A °ULT COMMUNITY R.R. No. 2 Bayfield or also the location of your choice. MORGAn'S MOBILE NOME 343 Victoria St., poo. Box 430 CLINTON 482-7066 Closed Sundays �' „%k.N. \‘',,VN, Ak .•',. . \\N