Welcome to the wonderful world of perennials! We’re excited about the prospect of introducing you to the ABCs of our enduring favorites, many of which get better with age. While the idea of starting a garden can be daunting— hard work and heartbreak come with the territory— there’s nothing more satisfying. My hope is that as you come into your own as a gardener, you find a community of like-minded folks—because, as a rule, floral fans are generous with their time, knowledge and cuttings. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that this primer is a bit of a matchmaker—that we introduce you to special plants that will be with you for years to come.
From the Editor
PERENNIALS 101 • INTRODUCING THE PLANTS THAT WILL BRING JOY TO YOUR GARDEN FOR YEARS TO COME. GET THE BASICS ON THESE NOT-SO-BASIC BEAUTIES.
Beginner’s Pluck • Ease into the world of perennials with these resources.
Getting Started • A new garden is an investment. Before you start shoveling out cash, check out these pre-planting tips to ensure success.
Easy Does It • These beginner-friendly perennials will have you looking like a pro.
In the Zone • Thanks to a couple of handy-dandy charts, it’s a little easier to find out what perennials will thrive in your neck of the woods.
Throwing Shade • You might think there’s no hope for those dark areas of your yard. Not true! There are plenty of perennials that thrive without full sun.
Made for the Shade • These perennials prefer full to partial shade, but take heart—if they get a little extra sun, they should be fine.
Sun Day’s Best Figuring out what • kind of sun exposure your yard gets is the key to picking the right perennials.
Light Conversation • A plant tag will tell you everything you need to know about how much sun it needs to live its best life, so read with care.
Drain Trust • When it comes to maintaining healthy perennials, well-draining soil is everything.
Super Soakers • These perennials will thrive in moist soil.
Beach Club • These five perennials will thrive in sandy soils.
FUN IN THE SUN • A BIOLOGY TEACHER DELIGHTS IN BRINGING THE SPIRIT OF AN ENGLISH GARDEN TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
Perennial Picking • Whether you’re purchasing at a big-box garden center, or you prefer to shop local at your neighborhood nursery, you can create a one-of-a-kind perennial landscape. Use these tips to get the most bang for your buck.
What on Earth? • The health of your soil is of paramount importance to a beautiful garden. Here, answers to some of the most common questions about what lies beneath.
Timing Is Everything • Maximize your results with synthetics a few times a year.
Bed Time • Now it’s time for the fun part—designing and planting your garden. Here’s how to transform your floral dreams into a beautiful reality.
Container Essentials • Create your own beatiful mobile garden with a variety of vessels.
Much Ado About Mulch • There’s no shortage of choices when it comes time to adding nutrients, improving drainage and adding style to your soil.
VIVACITY IN VESSELS • A DENVER COUPLE BRINGS NEW MEANING TO THE TERM “POT LUCK” WITH MORE THAN 600 CONTAINERS FILLED TO THE BRIM.
Pots of Gold • Choosing the right receptacle is easy if you follow these simple rules.
H2O Woes • For a new gardener, it’s a real dilemma: To water or not to water? Too little, and a plant may die. Too much, and a plant may die. Here’s how to get it just right.
Super Soakers • These tools help get to the root of the matter.
Training Days • Play it straight with your perennials via a variety of supports and stakes.
HOT STUFF • A BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, INTERIOR DESIGNER KICKED...
