Perennials · 5 real projects
Perennial Garden Ideas: Plant Once, Enjoy for Decades
Perennials are the smartest money you'll ever spend in a garden — plant them once and they come back bigger and better every spring. These beds feature my workhorses: catmint along bluestone, astilbe in the shade, blue phlox blanketing slopes, and ornamental grasses for four-season structure.
Look closely at how each planting pairs sun-lovers with the right exposure. Then use the Seasonal Planner to find out exactly what to plant in your USDA zone, this month.

Ornamental Grass Feature

Blue Phlox Groundcover

Purple Salvia & Yellow Daisy Border

Astilbe & Catmint Along Bluestone

Perennial Border in Bloom
Linda's pro tip
Cut your catmint back by half after its first bloom in June. It looks brutal for a week — then it rewards you with a whole second flush of flowers into fall.
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