Landscaping with Perennial Plants

With spring just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than by venturing into the gardens and adorning the lawn with vibrant perennials? These enduring plants serve as the foundation for any landscaping project, distinguishing themselves from annuals by regenerating from their rootstock each spring. Unlike their seed-dropping counterparts, perennials engage in vegetative reproduction and often manifest as bulbs. The array of options is vast, with some varieties enticing butterflies and bees, while others grace the landscape with captivating hues of blue, red, and yellow. Be mindful when selecting bulbs for your garden, ensuring they thrive in your specific plant hardiness zone and are well-suited to the sunlight conditions prevalent in Orlando and Central Florida.

Landscaping with perennials requires a strategic approach. While some may have shorter lifespans or only flower once (monocarpic), most perennials reward you with a continuous flowering cycle throughout their existence (polycarpic). Certain species endure year-round, boasting evergreen foliage, while others shed their leaves during colder months (deciduous) in temperate climates. In some regions, the growth and blooming patterns align with wet and dry seasons (tropical). Planting perennials outside their designated hardiness zone may curtail their longevity, effectively transforming them into annuals.

If your soil is predominantly clay-like and heavy, thorough preparation is key. Spading and rototilling to a depth of 12-18 inches, along with incorporating nutrients and organic matter like compost, peat moss, or sand, will help create a favorable environment. Even if your soil already boasts good drainage and quality, proper tillage and preparation to a depth of 12 inches are necessary for successful installation.

Perennial plants hold immense value in landscaping endeavors. A well-thought-out project skillfully blends trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals of various shapes and sizes. While trees and shrubs provide a solid foundation, perennials infuse the landscape with a kaleidoscope of colors. From coneflowers to daylilies and ornamental grasses, the options are vast. Sun-loving and shade-friendly perennials cater to different environments, ensuring there is something for every garden. So go ahead and breathe new life into your flower beds with an assortment of perennials. Your garden is an outdoor canvas waiting to be painted. Remember, the team at From the Ground Up Landscaping is here to help, no matter the size of your flower bed or any other outdoor project. Contact us today for a free estimate.