Perennials Amy Jo Detweiler

Perennial plants that live for 2+ years once mature they flower annually

Herbaceous non-woody plants that die back and go dormant in winter

Perennial lifespan depends on type of plant, soil, climate, care, etc.

Perennial types: ground covers biennials border plants rock/alpine plants

Perennial types: herbs bulbs ornamental grasses water plants ferns

Planning & Design research visit nurseries, gardens neighbors consider time

Planning & Design yourself/professional consider site environment

Stats for The Dalles USDA Hardiness Zone 6-7 microclimates/frost dates annual precipitation ~ 14” soils – sandy loam/silty loam climate summary at

Design principles balance contrast repetition harmony unity dominance

Design Elements color texture flower fragrance

Design Elements bloom time seasonal interest function mature size

Formal Design symmetrical shaped beds straight lines

Informal Design asymmetrical shaped beds free-flowing beds

Low Maintenance non-invasive resistant sturdy stems adaptable short/long life span

Do a design sketch out use a garden hose consider hydrozones

Site considerations soil sun/shade wind bed/border existing features viewpoint

Plant material nurseries, greenhouse seeds neighbors mail order

Soil provides nutrients improves aeration address drainage concerns

Soil add organic matter 1/2-1/3 improve water holding capacity

Prepare the hole twice as wide as container, same depth amend with soil

Containers check out roots avoid planting dry root balls

Following planting water new plants in well irrigation type root stimulant optional mychorrhizae

Mychorrizae

Watering plants water deeply less often avoid water on foliage once established, as needed

Drip line

Irrigation Test dig down 6-8” ball up soil

Using Mulch reduce weeds/weed cloth prevents desiccation prevents erosion

Using Mulch covers bare ground 2-5” deep types

Maintenance fertilization weeding cutting back transplanting dividing

Maintenance winter watering ? pest management reapply mulch as needed

Fertilizing avoid direct contact with the roots wait for establishment increase the amount of nutrients available to the plant

Fertilizing spring feeding avoid late summer, early fall feedings slow-release, phosphate

Weeding weed cloth mulch within a bed

Cutting back encourage repeat bloom promote new growth control size

Transplanting in spring or fall redesigning mislocation

Why divide? decline in vigor becomes invasive for propagation

How to divide every 3-5 years early spring, late summer dig around drip line avoid root damage

Propagation seeds stem cuttings root cuttings grafting(advanced)

Seeding light soil moisten soil sprinkle seeds cover with thin layer of soil repot when larger

Stem cuttings in morning cut 3-5” remove bottom leaves dip in hormone place 1/2-1/3 in soil clear plastic

Root cuttings 1/4’+ wide roots, 3-4” long when plant is dormant plant upright when growth is seen transplant

Other uses cut flowers dried flowers

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