Perennial Power

I'm very happy with the "English cottage" garden look I've got going on in the front of the house. While I still haven't ripped out the evening primrose, things are coming along quite nicely.



The right side is my pride and joy at the moment. Knock out roses create a lovely background for bee balm, goldenrod and phlox, which sets the scene for yarrow, veronica, coreopsis, butterfly weed and asiatic lilies. I would like the bee balm and goldenrod to take a chill pill and quit growing before they completely block the roses, but you can't control an English cottage garden! I'm eager to see some blooms from the taller plants too, but I can wait ...



The "out of control" ratty nature of the primrose adds to the look in this bed, right? Phlox towers proudly in the background as shasta daisies and coreopsis open the show.



I am determined to rid the bed of that primrose soon, but I have yet to decide what will replace it. I'm leaning toward yarrow and foxglove, but I am easily swayed by the abundant choices at the plant stores right now!

A Great Plant for New Gardeners

If I had to give just one easy care plant recommendation for new gardeners, it would be Yarrow (ie, Achillea). Yarrow is great in any soil, does not require much water and multiplies very rapidly. It thrives in the heat of the Summer, rarely ever wilting! The average height is 2', and it is available in various colors (except blue).

This group of Rose Yarrow was planted last Fall and has multiplied from two small plants purchased from Lowes.



It hasn't started blooming very heavily yet, but when it does, there will be masses of these lovely pink flowers on the tops of all the stems.



Bluestone Perennials has a nice Yarrow offering showcasing the different shapes and sizes of Yarrow available on the market.