Perennials are the heart of so many gardens, coming back year after year to fill our spaces with beautiful flowers and foliage. These resilient plants are a staple in garden designs, adding color, texture, and interest to outdoor spaces. While annuals may bloom longer, perennials offer the benefit of returning each year, establishing themselves in the landscape and creating a sense of continuity and stability.
As gardeners, we often struggle with integrating perennials into our designs effectively. Their varying bloom times and changing foliage throughout the seasons can make it challenging to create a cohesive and visually appealing garden. However, with careful planning and selection of the right plants, perennials can be used to great effect in garden designs.
In this article, we will explore some of the best perennials for 2024 and take a closer look at some stunning perennial gardens that showcase the beauty and versatility of these plants. From vibrant blue Veronica spicata to delicate ferns and colorful hostas, these gardens are a testament to the endless possibilities that perennials offer in garden design.
John Markowski’s garden is a sight to behold, with Veronica spicata stealing the show with its intense blue flowers. This striking plant adds a pop of color and vertical interest to the garden, creating a focal point that draws the eye. By pairing it with other complementary plants, John has created a cohesive and harmonious garden that is a delight to behold.
In shady spaces, perennials can thrive just as well as they do in sunny areas. Cherry Ong’s garden showcases a beautiful combination of ferns, Spanish bluebells, and hostas, creating a lush and inviting space that is perfect for relaxation and contemplation. These shade-loving perennials add texture and color to the garden, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Spring magic abounds in Ellie Gilbert’s Massachusetts garden, where Siberian iris, Salvia ‘Blue Hill’, Geranium ‘Karmina’, and Heuchera ‘Raspberry Ice’ come together in a stunning display of color and beauty. These spring-blooming perennials bring joy and vibrancy to the garden, signaling the arrival of a new season and the promise of growth and renewal.
In an English cottage garden designed by Istvan Dudas, perennials take center stage, creating a tapestry of colors and textures that is truly captivating. The expert combination of plants in this garden is a testament to Istvan’s skill and creativity, showcasing the endless possibilities that perennials offer in garden design.
Ruth Ann Mummey’s garden in New Jersey is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of perennials, with moss phlox stealing the show in a riot of color and blooms. These low-growing perennials add a carpet of color to the garden, creating a vibrant and inviting space that is perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
Overall, perennials are a versatile and essential addition to any garden, offering a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit every taste and style. By carefully selecting and combining these plants, gardeners can create stunning and unique spaces that are a joy to experience and explore. Whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling country estate, perennials have a place in every garden design, adding beauty and interest year after year.
