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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-04-22, Page 58Page 31 Design 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 platted. 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 comriion name for every plant — which is important since you -may need both at the garden centre. This reference book should also giye . details on height, varieties, planting distance; color availability, blooming period as well as any other plant -specific informa- tion youmay- 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). PHOTO A COMPANION PLANTING — C'sing herbs and vegetables in your flower garden can -make better use of limited space and provide interesting texturas and colors to your landscape. Here. parsley and chives are planted beside marigolds Mormon moans ft t WE ': yES TO We have... MOBILE HOMES (up to 72 ft.x14ft.) DOUBLE WIDE HOMES (up to 60 ft. x 26 ft.) MODULAR HOMES SPLIT ENTRY HOMES TRI -LEVEL HOMES TWO STOREY HONES building Make an appointment to discuss your needs. Ask for... ;c 'UG MOI G;r&\N at %2 7 We have Tots available at AVE SEAS NI ESTATE ADULT COMMUNITY R.R. No. 2 Bayfield or also the location of your choice. MORGAN°S MOBILE O ES 343 Vkft rico St., :='.0. x 43 CLONTON 482-7066 Closed Sundays