How to Landscape With Perennials

Examine the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones map. Use your current location to determine your zone. A hardiness zone is an area defined by climatic conditions. Your zone can help you determine which plants will work best in your landscape.

Measure areas where perennials will be planted with a tape measure. Jot down the specific location (around the base of a tree, beside the house, along the sidewalk, etc.) and the dimensions of the available space on a piece of paper. Take note of the sun exposure. Certain perennials do well when placed in sunny locations while others thrive in shady areas.

Draw a miniature version of your garden on a sheet of graph paper. Use the grid to establish a scale. For example, use one square on the graph paper to represent one square foot of garden space.

Research the perennials that will grow well in your USDA plant hardiness zone. Flip through gardening catalogs or visit the local garden center. Take note of the size of mature plants, their blooming periods and any specific growing requirements. Make a list of perennials that appeal to you.

Organize the list of plants that interest you. Sort the plants into two main categories: flowering and nonflowering. Group flowering plants according to their blooming period. For continuous color, be sure to include plants that bloom in early spring, midsummer and early fall. Within each group, sort the plants according to their height at maturity.

Sketch a blueprint of the garden. Use a pencil to position perennials on the graph paper. Fill large, empty spaces by placing the taller plants at the back or in the center. Put low-growing varieties near the front or around borders. Use a mixture of colors and textures to create visual interest, but be sure to use at least three of each plant in any assemblage. Otherwise, the end result will look unorganized and jumbled.

Purchase your plants after finalizing design. You may grow perennials successfully from seed, but you may also purchase young transplants from nurseries or garden centers.