Perennial Combinations

Offers planting plans and plant descriptions to maximize the effects of color in a perennial garden

Planning a spectacular perennial garden just got easier! Forget the time-consuming research needed to determine if one short, spreading flower will look good with a tall, stately grass. Plantswoman Nancy J. Ondra has spent 30 years experimenting with plant combinations, and she shares her one-plant-at-a-time approach for choosing plant partners--think of it as a favorite perennial looking for friends! By focusing first on one perennial and its attributes, gardeners can select companion plants that complement it to create an endless number of groupings with eye-catching color combinations, dramatic textural displays, and stunning seasonal effects. The Perennial Matchmaker features 90 individual perennial profiles, 300 exquisite photographs of plant partnerships, and Ondra's insight into the array of plants, including annuals, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and other perennials, that make great combinations. Each profile features dozens of ideas for pairings, the reasons why the pairings will work, and region-specific choices. Whether you are just starting with perennials or are a long-time gardener who wants to elevate plantings for a more cohesive look, The Perennial Matchmaker is the go-to guide for creating stunning plant medleys.

There is an abundance of inspiration in the 100 combinations featured in this book. Each grouping is an actual garden scene that combines two, three, or more perennials in colorful tableaux that span the gardening year, from earliest spring to the onset of winter. All 100 entries identify each of the main plants by both common and botanical names, specify the care and conditions they require, and indicate when the combination reaches its peak of beauty.

Perennials are permanent fixtures in most home gardens, making this complete guide a perfect fit for any home gardener's library. This book will be a comprehensive and accessible reference for planning, planting, and caring for the most popular perennial plants, from the common hibiscus and peony, to new, must-grow varieties. With an easy-to-navigate package, in-depth coverage of basic techniques, and up-to-date information on new varieties and trends, it is perfect for gardeners of all skill levels, from novice to expert. Filled with colorful diagrams, helpful checklists that make shopping and planning a breeze, and easy-to-follow directions for all kinds of projects, it's the perfect guide to planning and maintaining a beautiful home garden, year after year. Chapters will include a primer on understanding perennials, guidance on selecting the best perennials for your region and situation, inspirational ideas for design, including color combinations and plant pairings. An entire chapter of plant-by-numbers plans will provide step-by-step guidance and inspiration for home garden designs. Special features include lists of top perennial plants and at-a-glance seasonal maintenance charts. More than 700 gorgeous color photos throughout, including a plant encyclopedia that features hundreds of perennials, categorized for convenience.

Turn your backyard garden into a lush and colorful wonderland where every plant is presented to its fullest potential. Scott Calhoun provides more than 100 stunning garden designs that are adaptable to a range of climates, budgets, and space considerations. As you learn to use proven groupings and discover ways to make your garden glow throughout all seasons, you’re sure to find the right combination of flowers, grasses, and ground coverings to transform your property into a jaw-dropping display of color, texture, and fragrance.

Describes more than four hundred perennials and grasses, providing information on each plant's origins, preferred conditions, and planting zones.

“A veritable goldmine for gardeners.” —Plant Talk We’ve all seen gorgeous perennial gardens packed with color, texture, and multi-season interest. Designed by a professional and maintained by a crew, they are aspirational bits of beauty too difficult to attempt at home. Or are they? The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden makes a design-magazine-worthy garden achievable at home. The new, simplified approach is made up of hardy, beautiful plants grown on a 10x14 foot grid. Each of the 62 garden plans combines complementary plants that thrive together and grow as a community. They are designed to make maintenance a snap. The garden plans can be followed explicitly or adjusted to meet individual needs, unlocking rich perennial landscape designs for individualization and creativity.