Gardening With Annual Plants

Verbascum Thapsus Subsp. Thapsus Common mullein

The statuesque common mullein is an essential plant for wildflower borders, herb and heath gardens, among thistles, low grasses, sage, or lavender. The decorative leaf rosette stays green in the winter. In the summer, a strong, wooly-haired, un branching stem arises from it, bearing yellow cup-shaped flowers at its end. The flowers are short lived, but new ones are constantly opening, and they are especially attractive to bumblebees. Wind-sheltered sites in full sun, with well-drained dry soil— it can even be on the poor side—are ideal for this plant. Tends  to self-seed.

Viola X Wittrockiana Imperial Series Pansy

The bushy erect plants of the Imperial series, cultivated as biennials develop beautiful, large individual, flower in early spring or winter.

The flowers come in a wide range o colors and have contrasting markings in the center of the flower. In’ the gloomiest time Of the ye it brings cheerful splashes of color into flowerbeds or containers It likes sunny to semi shady locations with humus, fertile soil. If you sow in the summer, you can count on the first flowers in the fall. In winter, protect by covering with a brush wood mulch.

Sociable Ever Greens And Individual Centerpieces

First, a brief definition of the herbaceous perennial: this term covers a multitude of flowering plants, architectural plants with magnificent leaves, and foliage plants. What they all have in common is that they are herbaceous—green and sappy—rather than woody perennials. Most of them spend the winter under the ground and send out fresh shoots in the spring.

They have a firmly established place in garden design, as it is impossible to manage without these multitalented plants. Whether in formally laid- out beds, semi-natural gardens, dry zones, or moist areas, in light or in shade, they always put on a good show. The spectrum of species and varieties is so diverse that herbaceous perennials can provide something for every location and offer unlimited design options for every season of the year. Finding the right composition is a matter of individual preference and reflects the personal style of the gardener.

One more practical tip to finish with: herbaceous perennials can be propagated by seed—some self-seed—but are usually propagated by division or by cuttings. Most can tolerate being cut back after the first flowering and will then flower for a second time. As a rule, spring and fall are the typical planting times. For frost-susceptible herbaceous perennials, spring is better, so they have a chance to develop well before the winter.

Acanthus Mollis Latifolius Group Bear’s breech

The fascinating slender flower spikes of A. mollis which stand high above its bushy, flat- lobed, glossy green, attractively-veined foliage, make it an outstanding architectural plant in the herbaceous border or an ornamental feature plant that is emphatically wild in character. The flowers are white, usually tinged with purple, and stand close to the stems, which are up to 3 feet 4 inches (1 meter) tall. They make very good cut flowers and dry well. Bear’s breech is very vigorous and prefers moderately fertile, very well-drained soil. It requires only limited tending. Faded flower heads and leaves should be removed after flowering. Winter protection is recommended in cool climates. Tip: leave a few flower heads standing over the winter, as they look magical coated with frost.