There is nothing like a perennial garden to add beauty to a back yard.
Bright patches of colorful flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, creating a cheerful ambiance in even the smallest yard.
Perennial flowers refer to those plants which flower every year.
The plant often goes dormant in winter, but grows back every spring.
Perennials are more expensive than annuals, the flowers that live only one year.
But the expense is an investment, as they just keep coming back.
Many perennials spread and can be divided in late fall or early spring, fill large areas of a garden.
When you plan a perennial garden, research the types of plants that grow well int your area.
Make sure that the plant will receive adequate sunlight.
Most perennial plants come with tags that include information on optimum sunlight.
Some prefer full sun, some partial sun, and others prefer shady areas.
Bloom times are an important consideration in the selection of perennial flowering plants.
Different types of plants flower at varying times of the year from early spring until fall.
With research and planning, you can select a variety of plants that bloom at different times so that you can have a constant display of flowers.
Take a good look at the foliage when you purchase a plant.
Different types of foliage add interest to the garden, making the area more attractive with a variety of textures.
Mix large, dark leaves with fine, feathery foliage for interest when the plant is not in bloom.
Choose plants that grow to a variety of heights.
Place tall growing specimens at the back of a garden and graduate the size down toward the front for optimum viewing.
When you look at plants to purchase, inspect them closely for signs that indicate health.
Spotty leaves, wilting,webbing are signs of a diseased plant.
Make sure that you prepare the garden area before youplant.
Enrich the soil with manure or compost.
dig a small ditch around the edges to ensure good drainage.
New plants need a lot more water than older, established ones, so water them thoroughly and often in the first month or so.
You can see when your perennials have established new roots when you see new growth.
Also make sure that you group plants appropriately.
Plants that need a lot of water should not be placed beside plants that enjoy dry conditions.
With careful planning, you can create a beautiful perennial flower garden that will delight you for years to come.