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Tim Henry discusses the differences between annual and perennial ornamentals, what to use them for, and where to plant them.
For each and every one of us starting out in gardening this is
a daunting question. I didn't even know the difference when I
started to plan my first garden. When you start thinking about
landscaping your home you'll need to decide. Most people find
that a combination of the two works the best.
Annuals last for only a year, hence the term annual. However,
they pack a color punch all season long. From the time you
plant them in the spring, until their demise in the cold
months, for the most part annuals will give you blooms and
color the entire time. Also, you will find annuals cost a deal
less than perennials.
Perennials on the other hand are flowers that return each year.
However, unlike annuals, each perennial has a short bloom time.
They will grow, and be green, spring, summer, and into fall,
but some produce flowers only in early spring, others late
spring, some flower only early summer, some late summer, some
early fall - well, you get it. When planning a perennial garden
you'll have to think about what will be blooming when and how
the combination will look.
Although perennials are more
expensive than annuals I have always invested in them. They are
the cornerstone of any garden, returning stronger and larger the
next year. Most perennials will last up to five years, some
longer.
You'll find that over the years they'll need thinning.
This is a great time to be able to share your perennials with
your friends. It's always fun to swap plants back and forth.
Annuals may be more forgiving than perennials, and if they
don't particularly like the place you plant them, generally
they'll survive. You'll want to be more careful planting your
perennials and make sure that they're well suited for the spot
you have chosen. There is nothing more distressing than
watching your investment die while you helplessly watch.
Before
you plant your garden area watch the cycle of the sun. Remember
that the sun will be higher in the sky as the summer progresses
so places that don't seem to get a lot of sun in the spring may
be very sunny through the summer. Also, in early spring before
that tree is in full leaf a spot that seems sunny may by early
summer become a shade spot. It may be best before you invest a
lot of money in perennials to watch your garden area for a
year. This is when annuals come in very handy. After the first
year you'll be able to make a better decision based on actual
light conditions. Most perennials that call for "full sun"
exposure can do well with at least four hours of strong
sunlight each day.
©2005 Tim Henry. All rights reserved.
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