THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505190077
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
TODAY'S GARDENER is looking for color in the landscape that can be achieved with low-maintenance plants. That has led to a rediscovery of perennials. They bloom every year, without replanting.
Public gardens have used perennials for years, because low maintenance was essential. The splash of color, growing ease and yearly rebirth have now earned them a place in home gardens. Even professionals have turned to widespread use of these traditional flowers.
With some of the newer varieties, perennials now offer better color, more blooms and improved plant characteristics. Iris, daylilies, peonies, hosta and phlox are some standard perennials that have been improved.
For example, the old version of Shasta daisy, ``Alaska,'' was too tall and fell over. Newer varieties such as ``Little Princess'' and ``Snowlady'' are shorter and have stiffer stems.
Perennials also fit into ``natural'' landscapes. They go hand-in-hand with heightened environmental awareness, because they require less fertilizer, less water and less care. Ornamental grasses are a popular choice.
Some gardeners now use perennial plantings to soften wooded areas, with the goal of making such areas blend in with the landscaping around their homes, providing a more tranquil and natural setting.
An added benefit of perennials is their long life. Their reappearance each spring saves time, effort and the expense of replanting. They also provide a sort of permanent framework around which temporary bedding plants can be placed.
It's important to properly prepare soil before planting, because perennials like rich, loamy soil containing a lot of organic matter. Perennials don't fare well in compacted or heavy clay soil.
Most thrive with abundant moisture and adequate drainage. They do not like soil that stays saturated for days after a heavy rain. Soil that stays wet through winter is also hard on perennials. Placing a perennial bed 2 to 4 inches higher than the lawn will avoid oversaturation, allowing water to run off into the lawn.
Visit your favorite garden center now and you'll find dozens of varieties of perennials. Choose the colors you want, making sure they will grow in the sun or shade your landscape provides. Perennials will reward you with color, year after year. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
PARK SEED
The Bengal Tiger canna from Park Seed is an example of an improved
old perennial.
by CNB