Planning a Perennial Garden
Jeanette Siddons, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener
I have a perennial border along my front porch where I often get lost for hours, whether I’m weeding, watering or planting. Time spent in your garden, regardless of its size, should bring you joy instead of dread. If you are considering adding a perennial garden to your home landscape, there are many things you can do to make it a positive experience versus an overwhelming one.
With any type of gardening, planning is key. Ideally, you would plan your garden the year before you plant it. First, observe the area you are considering and take note of the amount of sun it gets, especially in June and July. For example, does it get full morning sun and afternoon shade, or is it mostly shade all day? This knowledge will help you select the plants that will be successful in your site. Is it a windy and exposed location? If so, you might want to consider staking the taller plants you include.
Measure the area so you know how much space you have to work with. Additionally, make sure to get a soil test; you can do this easily through the University of Minnesota Extension service for a small fee. The results will tell you if soil amendments are needed for the plants you want to grow.
To avoid getting overwhelmed at the garden center, it helps to put your ideas on paper first (or in a software program for designing gardens). Now that you know the amount of sun or shade the area gets, the type of soil you have, and the amount of space available for planting, you can start the most fun part of the process, which is selecting your plants and designing your garden space. As you weigh your perennial options, make sure you consider how large they will be at maturity rather than their current size in nursery pots.
Your plant choices will depend on your site and your personal preferences. Do you want cutting flowers and a formal feel, or are you looking to create a pollinator haven with native plants and a more naturalized look? There are many great plant choices including ornamental grasses, bulbs, cacti and ground covers. Maintenance is also a consideration. Native plants tend to require less care, and they are also beneficial to our local wildlife.
Finally, make sure you understand the watering needs of each plant you select. While there are many ways you can deliver water (I really like a soaker hose), it’s a good idea to group plants with similar watering needs together to make watering less of a chore and to keep them thriving.
Planting a perennial garden takes quite a bit of planning, but the payoff will be a lower-maintenance garden that will give you years of pleasure, and eventually you’ll have plants you can share with your friends and family!
Visit https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden for more information about soil testing.