First, one must understand the basic difference between annuals and perennials. Annuals are plants that grow and/or bloom for one growing season. Perennials are plants that come back season after season, whereby the term ‘perennial favorite’ comes from. Both types can grow in the sun or shade, have beautiful blooms or be strictly foliage and are suitable for dry or wet conditions. So, what’s the difference you may ask? Their main difference is, annuals will bloom for the entire season, while perennials typically only bloom for a short period each season. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, as in all rules! So which do you want? Why, both of course!
When done well, a landscape will have different bits of interest interspersed throughout the garden to draw the viewers’ attention at various times during the growing season. When done really well, these bits of interest will be repetitive in either texture or color to give the garden movement and draw the viewer’s eye. Wow, sounds like a complicated plan, huh? It doesn’t have to be. Typically in landscape or garden design, it’s best to start with the ‘bones’, the plants that will set your foundation. This is often done with trees, shrubs and/or woody perennials. Perennials can then be used to begin the fleshing out of the bones, and be finalized by adding annuals. By starting out with small trees, applying some shrubs, dabbing in a few perennials and then finally swirling in bits of annuals, one can create a masterpiece of color and texture in your garden.
Sounds great, right? But which plants should I use, where?? Well, that all depends on both you and your site; the climate, it’s sun exposure, how much water there is and drainage, as well as personal taste. No garden/landscape is the same, nor should it be and it should reflect the personality of its creator. The challenge of creating the ‘perfect’ garden is what every gardener strives for. Try it. You may find yourself hooked as well!