Planning a perennial garden layout must take several factors into consideration. First and foremost are the types of plants that will thrive in the light, soil, and gardening zone where the garden is to be located. Second is choosing plants that offer a nonstop show of color from spring through fall. Choosing perennial plant kits from reputable nurseries takes the guesswork out of perennial garden layouts, or you can find plans online or in books and adapt them to your needs.
Designing a Perennial Garden Layout
Perennials plants return year after year from their original rootstock. Many familiar perennials are also old-fashioned favorites such as peonies, iris, purple coneflower, sedum and more. It’s important to select plants that will thrive in the spot you’ve chosen for your perennial garden. Once planted, they will grow larger and sometimes spread out over the years, forming an attractive garden.
Considerations
- Light – How much sunlight does the area receive each day?
- Soil – What kind of garden soil do you have?
- Climate – What gardening zone do you live in?
Once you know these three things, you can begin choosing plants and designing your layout.
Consider Height
Consider the height of the plants for your garden layout. Choose and plant taller perennials near the back of the garden bed so they do not obscure small perennials. Look on the plant label or in the plant catalog for the approximately height of the plant.
Color
Some people like to plant monochromatic gardens, choosing colors in the same tone or family to create a soft, pleasing effect. White gardens are one such popular perennial garden; only white flowers are chosen, and foliage plants with soft gray-silver colors are added as accents. You can mix up your garden colors and plant whatever you like or choose single tones of red, blue or yellow.