June 18, 2009
Favorite Perennials

As I sat on the patio of the north store last night, I had the pleasure of sharing my favorite perennials to an intimate group. Vegetables and herbs are my first passion and then I would say perennial gardening is right behind with colorful blooms and reduced maintenance plants. Of the 600 perennials I sell and garden with, I have developed a few favorites. These perennials made the list for an assortment of reasons including: their colorful foliage, structure, size, flowers and uniqueness.

Here is a list of my favorite perennials that I shared last night at the class entitled “Wendy’s Favorite Perennials.”

1. ‘Blue Clips’ Bellflower (has the cute factor)
2. Lupine
3. Variegated Iris (very fragrant blooms)
4. ‘High Contrast’ Lungwort (I love the foliage!)
5. Lemon Thyme
6. False Dragonhead/Obedient Plant
7. Foamflower or Tiarella
8. False Indigo aka Baptisia australis
9. ‘May Night’ Salvia aka Sage (Check out ours by the north store pond)
10. ‘Petite Pearl Fairy’ Coral Bells
11. Blackberry Lily aka Belamacanda
12. Scotch or Irish Moss aka Sagina aurea
13. ‘Sum & Substance’ Hosta
14. ‘Frances Williams’ Hosta (Blue and green, large leaves)
15. ‘Karl Foerster’ Reed Grass (The most popular grass we sell)

I am very passionate about most of them, especially the ‘Sum & Substance’ hosta and the ‘Petite Pearl Fairy’ coral bells. My mother’s Sum & Substance is totally awesome. In the backyard, it is about 3 ½’ tall and wide. The leaves on it are incredible in size! Definitely at the top of my list!!

My perennial gardens are going to have neighbors soon. Good old friend, Round-Up, showed up the other day to say hello and took care of an area that I want to make a larger flower garden. It’s always exciting adding to the garden, especially when Round-Up is involved. The tiller will also be necessary. Stay tuned for the results and upcoming pictures of my herb garden.

Have I mentioned how excited I am that my corn is now germinated? Pretty cool!

Let me know if you have any questions or comments on your garden.
I can be reached at wajasper@sargentsgardens.com

Happy Gardening!
Wendy Jasper
MNLA Certified Professional

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