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Endless combinations with perennials
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The enormous variety in perennials is undoubtedly one of the reasons why they are so addictive. They are long-lived and never dull, and there are endless combinations to be made. Early types can flower as early as January, indeed Helleborus can even show its flowers in December! However, most of us aim for a large number of flowers in spring, which gives us the opportunity to combine them with all sorts of bulbs and tubers for an absolute festival of flowers.
Grouping perennial bulbs like Snowdrops, Spanish quills, Grape hyacinths, Snakeheads and Narcissi will give you flowers throughout the spring as the perfect lead-in to July and August, when the well stocked border will look its very best. The variation in colour and shape as well as the differences in height and character will create a fabulous display, but even later on in the season perennials will make their presence felt. Then, all kinds of Aster, Silver torch and Autumn anemone will flower, to tell us that the season is coming to an end.
And increasingly popular are the many perennials with highly decorative foliage. Hosta, Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris), various grey-leafed Artemisia, Stachys byzantina, and the new generation of brown-leafed Heucheras and Ajuga reptans cultivars are not to be forgotten, neither are Ferns and ornamental grasses.
Composing a perennial border
A border is, simply, a wide strip of herbaceous plants that flower at different times. The most successful, possess tranquil backgrounds that really show off your perennials. A dark hedge of Taxus or Thuja makes a very nice background but, for a space saving alternative, consider covering a fence with ivy.
Island borders
Island borders have made their way back into some gardens. They are usually cut out of the lawn and can have any possible shape. Most will be sunny, although an island border in partial shade is perfectly acceptable.
Planting distance
No matter how you much know about your plants, it is always exciting to see how they will actually develop. Small differences in soil type may have disproportionate effects, and the precise garden location will be important too. You can cram your garden full of plants, but giving them some space is the better option in the long run. A rough rule of thumb is that you should allow about 11 plants per square meter. Very low-growing plants should be planted some 20 to 25 cm apart, while plants of medium height need some 35 to 40 cm. Give large plants, like peonies, about 50 to 75 cm each. But remember that a border is not something you plant once and forget! Always treat it as a 'work in progress' which will continually suggest better juxtapositions and combinations to you. So be receptive to the demands of plants for more room and your own search for greater aesthetic harmony.
Weave plants, ranking plants and good partners
Careful consideration of the relationship of one plant to another is the basis of a good border, and weave, ranking and partnership plants can all contribute to this. Weave plants are those that weave themselves through other plants, linking different groups to produce very nice effects. Use Geraniums to link plants of different sizes and do not be afraid to link similar plants at different locations in the garden.
Ranking plants are taller varieties that, amongst certain smaller plants, give height interest to your border. Good examples of these plants are Lysimachia punctata, Macleaya cordata and Solidago (golden rod), which all look well towards the rear of a plant group.
'Good partner' groupings are those plants which, when together, complement each other in different ways. Small bulbs and tubers are good partners to perennials and combinations of summer bulbs like Gladioli, Dahlias (low and tall ones), Lilies, and the very late flowering Autumn crocus and Meadow saffron all work well together. Some shrubs are also very attractive among perennials and Hydrangea, Weigela and Japanese Maple are good examples of these.
Take your time and have a good look around your garden. You may find that, in the first years, you are continually changing plants around. However, gradually the character of the mature garden will show through and you will eventually have those beautiful borders you always wanted.
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