General help with first perennial garden beds
Shay (5a NH)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (49)
Shay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoRelated Discussions
First try at a perennial garden
Comments (6)Oh, greenbug, I was just in Costco and had to pass up the Daylilies and Phlox because I know the deer will eat them. Didn't know miserable mangy groundhogs ate them but there's not much they don't eat. My father's rose bushes all have 4' green rabbit fencing in circles around them. I still have to spray them weekly with a repellant and even then they are often defoliated and "deflowered" by the deer as long as there's anything left on there. They can eat an entire 3'x4' floribunda rose bush in one night. Heartbreaking so better you know you should take precautions. You can do it but it's going to take much effort on your part to have those beautiful plants and blooms. I didn't want to post an answer because I didn't want to rain on your parade. Better you be prepared for the extra protection your plants are going to need than plant them, wait/watch the growth/bloom only to have them disappear one night. I've tried for 2 years to cross reference a deer, rabbit and slug resistant list of plants. Impossible to find wide variety for 3 season bloom for which plants are resistant to all three critters. I can fight slugs to some degree with diomatceous earth sprinkled around susceptible plants so I focus more on deer and rabbits. Rabbit fencing installed correctly helps but doesn't look too hot around highly visible flower beds. And groundhogs can climb or tunnel under these fences anyway. I've ended up with a lot and/or getting more varieties of Agastache, Salvia, Nepeta, Echinacea (iffy), Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle), Astilbe, Foxglove, Lobelia (iffy), Monarda and Allium (Fall planted bulbs). Adding to all beds this year highly aromatic (noninvasive) herbs (rosemary, lady lavender, oregano,thyme & sage) which I'll either grow from seed and/or buy 6 packs this spring to spread around the beds to try and distract critters with scents from eating other more vulnerable plants. Last Fall I planted some Penstemon which only had a few leave eaten over winter but rabbits haven't been out yet. We'll see. Have Campanula to plant out but don't know if that'll be eaten. We'll see. I've used the "plant search" feature on Bluestone Perennials web site and enter my zone, deer resistant and rabbit resistant. The results only show what they sell but it's a start. Cornell Univ. has some helpful research resources. http://www.hort.cornell.edu/gardening/factsheets/deerdef/index.html There are a number of native plants that are relatively deer resistant. If you haven't already done so it was helpful for me to find my local county extension web site and locate their "deer resistant" listing. It indicates whether there's heavy, moderate, occasional, almost never deer browsing of many plant varieties. That's a place to start and then hope the deer aren't too hungry or overpopulated in your area (they likely are already like here) so you can at least have a shot at having your perennnials survive deer. Rabbits and groundhogs are just another story. Once you know you've got a significan deer problem it's research, plant/bed protection with a lot of trial and error. Swearing doesn't help in the least though it's therapeutic for a nanosecond. :) I've gotten some plants from a very nice couple in upstate NY who have a mail order business called Graceful Gardens. The plants are starter size but some will bloom first year. And there's the shipping cost that's certainly not unreasonable compared to most vendors but an added cost nonetheless. They have a "deer resistant" section which I've used. Not failsafe and some things massacred by rabbits and groundhogs but I learned without spending a comparative fortune on blooming sized perennials. Very nice couple owns it and are very accomodating. Gracefulgardens.com I google "deer resistant nj" and peruse the online mail order plant vendor sites to see what they offer. I don't buy from them but use their info for "possible" list. Found a pretty extensive list for CT at a place called Twombly Nursery. Don't have to buy there...just use their list(s) for starter reference. Linked site for you. Just remember rabbits, groundhogs or slugs might be a problem even if it's on deer resistant list. Even by googling each plant name on list(s) coupled with either rabbit or slug resistant you'll have to try things out to see what works. As 'leslies' said...annuals have their rightful place for deer resistance and bloom power. Even I was able to start Ageratum from seed and there were only a few nibbles over a very long season of bloom without any slug damage. Same for Salvia coccinea. Sweet Alyssum gives a lot of bang for the buck. I ordered 4 Datura plants (supposedly poisonous) and I'm already assuming all the deer will need is a couple Rolaids after eating a good bit of them but it's worth a try. Hope we haven't bummed you out too much. Just don't want you to go through more heartache losing "known" highly browsed plants. It's hard to realize you can't have some plants you really want unless you have a deck or can fence them in well. I'm still in denial on a few things but getting better...LOL. Here is a link that might be useful: Deer Resistant Plant List - CT...See MorePerennial questions for bed garden bed...
Comments (2)Both of those salvia plants bloomed previously, or were in bloom when you bought them? Nothing mysterious here, they are settling in to their new environs and just need a little time. Cutting off those old flower stalks may help promote new blooms, as would keeping them watered and fertilized. Mostly though, just time and patience....See MoreFirst plant swap, new perennial bed, kinda confused
Comments (9)I worry about the weeds and am thinking about putting cardboard down and then mulch on top. You go with that idea but expect to replace it a year or two down the road. It's worked for me for the most part but it isn't the be-all and end-all of gardening--there are some weeds that will grow right up through the cardboard and mulch (ask me how I know this to be true). Still, it's been effective more than it hasn't in several of my garden beds. I understand putting the taller ones in back and making sure that everything is spaced properly. Don't lose sight of the truth that whatever you're going for is right for you but may not be right for another gardener (or what you're planting). I like the look of space between my perennials because that's the look that pleases my eye. What pleases your eye is what pleases your eye & you get to decide that on your own but the plants themselves will ultimately determine the look of your garden. Generally speaking, garden designs adhere to certain standard designs or patterns but they're not guidelines that are carved in stone. I took a huge, rectangular garden that existed before I moved here, divided it in half diagonally, stuck a granite garden bench in the center, curved the edges and laid a granite patio in front of the bench. Not the look the bed had prior to me having my way with it but to my eye it looks a lot more appealing than it did before. Did I buy a garden design book? Yep--bought several and while they gave me ideas, none of the formal gardens worked for my property. I ended up with what worked for me so I'll suggest you sit down with a drawing pad & sketch what you see in your mind. I don't regret doing that and am vastly satisfied with what I've achieved. Don't forget you'll have failures along with the successes. It's been the lesson I've had the most difficulty learning but the successes have mitigated the failures. There's SO much enjoyment when things return reliably year after year I'm reassured the plants I've worked to set in the ground truly are perennials and those that have disappeared are few and far between....See MoreGeneral questions about mixing in other perennials
Comments (7)Some of what I have, you have already mentioned and others that I have may be bigger than what you are looking for. Even though we are both zone 6, I am not sure if NJ winters are harder than southern IN. Here's what I have that is blooming or getting ready to, and as you can see my daylilies are done for the most part:( I purchased two CARYOPTERIS (Blue Mist Spirea 'Dark Knight') last year and they have gotten 2'Hx5'W this year. Some hard wind twisted the one in the back of this pic and it split in the middle but is still blooming. It is propped up with a little fencing. Shown with DOUBLE KNOCK-OUT ROSE. BLUE MIST SPIREA close-up Another pic of Blue Mist Spirea with NINEBARK 'Summer Wine'. Ninebark bloomed in the spring, but I love the dark accent in the bed. HARDY PERENNIAL SALVIA - many varieties, some bloom in spring and if cut back will bloom again like "May Knight". List of different Salvias: http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/specials.specDetail/recID/33/index.htm MEADOW SAGE 'May Knight' (Perennial Salvia). This one blooms in spring, then I cut it back by half and now it is blooming again. BLACK-EYED SUSAN and a hint of Blue CORNFLOWER on the right. I have found that these do re-seed easily, but are so easy to pull out, I can be very selective about where I want them to grow and where I don't. Same with COSMOS, RUDBECKIA, BALLOON FLOWER, and GARDEN PHLOX. I also like RUSSIAN SAGE and have about six plants, but like you said, they are getting kind of rangy. I didn't know they could be cut back in June. Will try that next year. JAPANESE ANEMONE "Prince Heinrich' is new for me last year, but it made it through the winter and it's getting ready to bloom now. Lots of buds so am looking forward to seeing it. LAVENDER. I am not sure how hardy lavender would be for you. I have Hidcote and Munstead. One of them did die, but the other three came back. COREOPSIS 'Moonbeam' blooms very long and if I cut back the 'Zagreb' variety that blooms in June, I can usually get a decent rebloom. SHASTA DAISIES 'Becky' is blooming now and I keep the spent blooms cut so it will go a little longer. LIRIOPE (Lily Turf) is a nice low grassy ground cover that is starting to bloom here. I like it because it is only about 6-8" high and can be put in front of so many other plants. CRAPEMYRTLES do well here and I have six that are all blooming now. 'Pocomoke' is a nice rounded variety that is about 3x3' and I've had it about 5 years. ASTERS is the one thing that has not bloomed well for me, but it is a fall plant. Love the Perennial website linked below because you can search by zone, color, season, and characteristic. Vickie Here is a link that might be useful: www.Perennials.com...See MoreShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agodamask_rose_zone9b
3 years agoptreckel
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoMoses, Pittsburgh, W. PA., zone 5/6, USA
3 years agoShay (5a NH) thanked Moses, Pittsburgh, W. PA., zone 5/6, USAShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoport2015
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
3 years agoAddison in VT z4a
3 years agoAddison in VT z4a
3 years agoPatti Chicago Zone 5b/6a
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agovesfl (zone 5b/6a, Western NY)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years agoShay (5a NH)
3 years ago
Related Stories
PLANTING IDEAS3 Color Palettes to Help Set Your Garden’s Mood
Select plants in these color combinations to create an outdoor space that’s cheerful, energizing or calming
Full StoryINSPIRING GARDENSPerennial Borders Transform a Lake House Garden
Dynamic new planting beds turn an upstate New York landscape into a sanctuary for butterflies and bees
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Tips to Help You Start an Edible Garden
Get on your way to growing your own vegetables with a raised bed or a few containers on the patio
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGBuild a Raised Bed to Elevate Your Garden
A bounty of homegrown vegetables is easier than you think with a DIY raised garden bed to house just the right mix of soils
Full StoryPLANTING IDEASWant a More Colorful, Natural Garden? Try a Perennial Meadow
Spend less time tending and more time taking in the sights by improving on Victorian and prairie garden designs
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESWhat to Know About Starting Your First Native Plant Garden
Fall is an ideal time to plant a sustainable garden that supports wildlife and looks good too
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENS7 Tips to Ensure Success With Raised Bed Gardening
Raised bed gardening is a favorite for edible plants. Here’s how to get it right
Full StoryPLANTING IDEASSilvery Plants Brighten Garden Beds
Add shimmer to shade gardens and harmonize mixed borders with this icy foliage hue
Full StoryEARTH DAYAdd Layers to Garden Beds for Beauty and Sustainability
You can renew nature at home by filling in gaps with native plants and extending the bloom season
Full StoryLIFEConsider Avoiding These Plants to Help Keep Your Garden Fire-Safe
Plants that accumulate dead material, are high in oil or have low moisture content in leaves put some homes at risk
Full Story
Moses, Pittsburgh, W. PA., zone 5/6, USA