2007 Year in Review

Designing Your Perennial Garden

Ideas to help in planning your next perennial garden can be found on a new University of Illinois Extension website, Stepping Stones to Perennial Garden Design.

“Today, space limits garden ideas for the average homeowner,” explained Martha Smith, U of I Extension horticulture educator based in Macomb who developed the website. “This website will focus primarily on designing with perennials. However, there will be many instances where incorporating annuals for continuous color, or a landscape shrub for winter effect, will enhance your garden.”

The website provides users with a step-by-step process to determine their goals, assess their garden site, identify their garden style, and select plants to ensure visual interest through the seasons. It also includes a design segment.

Still, Smith points out there is much room for individual choice.

“Many gardeners want a recipe to follow when it comes to designing a perennial garden, or for that matter, general gardening,” she said. “But many variations exist and people can use different approaches and still come up with a beautiful garden.

“There are very few rules or ‘definites’ when it comes to working with perennials. Every garden location is different and every garden is different. Remember, it’s your garden.”

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 20, 2007