Perennials remain in the garden for years, so it's important to find the right spots for them. You wouldn't want to place a tall hollyhock in front of a rudbeckia, for example, because the hollyhock would hide the shorter plant. A low-growing perennial phlox (figure A) should be planted toward the front of the flowerbed. And when you're planting more than one variety in the same area, make sure to select plants that need the same type of care, soil and amount of sunlight. A popular low-growing perennial groundcover is Vinca minor (figure B). This spring-blooming plant requires partial shade. The stems root where they touch the soil, which means vinca can rapidly take over if not controlled. Shade-loving hostas (figure C) are one of today's most popular perennials. Grown primarily for their beautiful foliage, hostas require ample moisture and well-drained, rich soil. Unfortunately, they're also a favorite food of slugs and snails: surround the hosta bed with copper foil to protect plants. Bulbs make an excellent addition to the perennial garden. The burst of color they provide in early spring will brighten the dormant perennial bed. When the flowers begin to fade, remove spent blossoms, and allow the foliage to yellow. Once the foliage is completely dry, remove it if desired by gently pulling it away from the bulb. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a shade-loving, summer-blooming perennial of medium height--1' to 3'. Lungworts have creeping roots and may be used as small-scale groundcovers. Their variegated leaves help brighten dark garden spots. Armeria (figure D), also called sea pink or thrift, produces grasslike foliage and round flower heads borne on stiff stems. It requires full sun. Species range in size from 1' to 3' and come in white and in light and dark pink. They're an excellent choice for rock gardens. Coreopsis (figure E) blooms in mid- to late summer and often through the fall. Its bright-yellow flowers attract beneficial insects. To add color to the garden in late summer or fall, you can't beat chrysanthemums (figure F). They come in a wide variety of heights, colors and flower shapes. Most require full sun and fast-draining soil. Deadhead flowers as they fade. Tall plants for the back of the flower bed include scabiosa, astilbe and daylilies. Scabiosa requires full sun and well-drained soil. Astilbe requires partial shade and moist but not boggy soil. Daylilies require full sun or light shade and well-drained soil.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
