Over the winter months is a good time to review flower border designs, making note of what did well and what did not in the previous year.
If you are looking to save money, perennials are a great way to go coming back every year and often growing large enough to split and give away to friends.
Playing with sketches of what you might like to plant next year is a fun activity. Cutting or printing of pictures of those plants that appeal to you will make a trip to the nursery next spring more focused, less impulsive and more directed.
We are all guilty of buying plants that were not suited to our gardening space and climate but with a little planning we might not have as many disappointments.
These upcoming spotlighted plants are tried and true in Zone 3
Another Fall Favourite Perennial for Spring Planning
Spotlight On: Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides)
• late, summer-long flowering perennial
• easy and adaptive to different loams
• will tolerate a little drought but prefers consistently damp, not wet soil
• can be aggressive in perfect locations
• spreads through rhizomes and stolon
• attractive white gooseneck shaped flowers
• good as a cut flower
• grows to 2-3′ tall and will spread to 4′ if permitted.
• less spread if grown in part shade and drier soil
I have this plant close to my pond for aesthetics but it is actually quite a dry spot and because of that, it has not spread much and its flowers tend to be smaller. I love it both, for its late blooming abilities and the attractive flower. It starts to bloom mid-August but will continue until late September.
There are many Lysimachias including the Yellow Loosestrife, which I have covered before. I find them all great mainstays of a perennial border.
This plant combines well with Astrantias, Hostas and Siberian Irises, giving a series of blooms in a semi- shaded area.
To see more go to: Zonethreegardenlife.blog
