Planting Plan
The flowerbed shown
here includes easy-to-grow perennials,annuals,
and shrubs fo r part-sun/part-shade.
1.
HEUCHERELLA
5. ANNUALS We planted
‘STO PLIGH T’ Bright
annual impatiens, begonia,
green leaves create nice
and torenia to fill in the bed
contrast. Zones 4-9
and add color.
2.
ASTILBE
‘VISIO N IN
6. ‘BLUE STAR’ JUNIPER
PINK9 Fernlike foliage
Low-grower with steely
with feathery blooms.
blue foliage. Zones 4-10
Zones 3-8
7.
HOSTA
‘REM EM BER
3. EN DLESS SUMMER
ME* Variegated foliage on a
HYDRANGEA
rugged plant. Zones 3-8
Rebloomer with pink or
8.
LIRIOPE
‘VARIEGATA*
blue flowers. Zones 4-9
Grasslike foliage with purple
4.
HEUCHERA
‘M OCHA’
spikes. Zones 6-10 (®
Dark purple leaves on a
compact plant. Zones 4-9
for ouymg inrormaaon
see page 210.
M U LC H M A T T E R S
No flowerbed should be
without mulch to
conserve moisture and
reduce weeds. Your
choice of mulch is part
practical, part aesthetic.
Nearly carefree,
rock mulch is an
excellent choice for
beds you intend to plant
and then leave alone.
Underlay rock mulch with landscape fabric.
The most common organic
mulches—wood and bark—offer a natural look.
You’ll need to add more every few years to keep
them looking fresh.
Though it needs to be replenished
every year or two, compost provides a dark, cool
look, and enriches garden soil.
spring planting notebook
BO O ST COLOR
O
MULCH When
f
Perennials and
you’re done
l
J
shrubs m ay not
L
O
planting, cover
bloom much the first year
the bed with 2 to 3 inches
or two. Use annuals to
of mulch, and keep plants
supplement color.
watered. You’re done!
64
MARCH 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
