desiGn and its relationshiP to Maintenance 15
planting out from underneath the overhang, which can also provide a useful 2-ft.
catwalk for maintenance along the back of the border. There are perennials
suited for just about any location; you simply need to make the correct choices.
Soil conditions
What is the soil like where you want to plant the garden? Is it wet or dry? Clay or
sand? Remember that you can find perennials for almost any soil condition. If
you have a spot that is extremely wet or extremely dry, rather than trying to fight
it by significantly changing the site to grow plants not suited to the natural
conditions, why not grow plants that will take the conditions you have? Turn a
wet clay area into a beautiful prairie or meadow full of plants native to those
conditions. Neil Diboll of Prairie Nursery has an extensive list of natives that he
refers to as “clay busters,” which you’ll find in the Perennials by Maintenance
Needs section following the A–Z Encyclopedia. If you have an area that is
constantly dry, select drought lovers. A wooded setting would be a good spot for
woodland natives. Besides being of great benefit to the local ecosystem, native
plants that are adapted to both your region and your particular site conditions
can cut down on your maintenance requirements. Once established, they should
be able to get by on only the amount of rainfall that nature provides, for example.
Do keep in mind, though, that when it comes to soil, most perennial plants—
be they native or exotic—would prefer to have a soil high in organic matter for
establishment and further growth. Except for plants that are adapted to
dry-summer areas (such as lavender) and prefer a lean soil, just about all perenni-
als appreciate compost-enriched soils. Most perennials also prefer a well-draining
The back gardens at Hidden-
haven in the autumn are rich
and breathtaking, accented
by the colors of the surrounding
woodlands.