Late summer or early fall is the ideal time to plant perennials in a city garden (or elsewhere): the soil is still warm, giving roots a chance to develop before winter without the stress of hot weather. The dwarf fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (figure A) grows into a compact mound. Butterflies like to visit grass plants, so adding a few will invite them to your garden. Fountain grass prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Another excellent perennial is black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida). These hardy plants produce a bounty of bright-yellow flowers throughout early summer and into the fall. They require full sun. By planting perennials in a sweeping curved line inside the curb strip in front of the house, the homeowner achieves a more casual look. The curb strip is bordered by a hedge of spirea, a deciduous shrub that needs full sun or light shade. The rudbeckia and fountain grass contrast nicely with the spirea. The shade-loving hosta 'Lancifolia', also perennial, needs protection from heat and strong winds, so it was planted in a protected area near the house. The light-green foliage contrasts nicely with that of the yew planted behind it. Yew will tolerate partial shade if the soil is well drained. Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is planted along the house. This clump-forming perennial does best in a stiff clay soil. It requires full sun. Behind the sedum is the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) 'Magnus', which requires full sun. Planted nearby is another hardy perennial, the popular reblooming daylily 'Stella de Oro'. Daylilies (figure B) require full sun or light shade. Planting perennials is easy. Most are available in two sizes of nursery containers: 1-gallon pots and small 4" pots. Larger plants cost more and will become established more quickly. To save money, plant smaller perennials--by their second season in your garden, they'll have caught up with the larger plants. Water plants well before planting. Dig the planting hole before removing each plant from its container. Once the hole is ready, remove the plant from the pot, loosen the roots gently with your hands, and place the plant in the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be just at ground level. Fill in with soil, and firm it with your hands to eliminate air pockets. Water well.
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