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Return to the Perennials & Annuals Forum | Post a Follow-Up

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New to perennials

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Posted by lkime NSW Aust (My Page) on
Mon, Jun 30, 03 at 23:43

Hi,

I've basically been a native gardener for many years, but I've decided to turn the garden around our house into a cottage garden style perennial garden. We live on heavy silty/clay.

I was thinking of improving the area before planting by building the beds up with (after adding gypsum) straw and planting seed potatoes. Then when they're finished adding as much organic matter as possible before planting the perennials. Sound like a good plan?

Can anyone suggest to me, a good web site or book for planning the layout and plant selection of such a garden. As I said I'm a total newbie to non-native gardens to I need to start at the very beginning.

Thanks.
Lynette

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RE: New to perennials

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If you are handy to a library that could be your first stop as there is usually something there and it's free. There is a book of 500 Perennials, one of a series. Why not ask Norgate's for a catalogue of their perennials as they are good value and field grown plants. It will depend on what your colour choice is as to what you plan to buy. Have fun!

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RE: New to perennials

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Hi Lynette, I agree with annabel. We did a similar thing with our front garden and after reading up in books from the library we discussed at length the selection of plants with a local nursery. The result has been a very low maintenance garden which always looks OK even in winter.
Your preparation work has been very good so you should finish up with something quite special.
Good gardening, John

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I meant to add not to forget bulbs like lilies and tubers like dahlias and even cannas as a backdrop.The spring bulbs are growing while the perennials have been cut back for winter.

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RE: New to perennials

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  • Posted by lkime NSW Aust (My Page) on
    Mon, Jul 7, 03 at 23:37

Annabel and JOhn,

Thanks heaps for your tips. I've decided on a pastel (purple, blue, white) colour scheme and I've been to the library and armed myself with a load of books to get me started.

Local nursery, look out!!!

Lynette

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RE: New to perennials

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hi Lynette
It is very possible to have a 'native cottage garden' and its a bit more of a challenge than the tried and tru garden centre hum drum.
If i were you id import as much organic matter as you can afford. make friends with a tree lopper and source some manure. the way i see it if the fungi and the micro-organisms are happy so too will be your plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: gardening australia

  
 

 

 


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