Every homeowner wants their flower bed to consistently be in pristine condition. That’s why there is always a tough decision to make between planting seasonal or perennial flowers every year. A perennial plant or flower is simply a plant that lives more than two years. They usually die off during the autumn and winter, then return in the spring from their rootstock. An annual flower or plant lives for just one growing season. Most annuals bloom for a long time, but when they die out, they must be removed from your flower bed and the replanted the next growing season. In North Texas, there are some annuals and biennials that will continue to grow if there is a warm winter if they are hardy and pampered during the winter. So, what do you plant in your garden?
Most seasoned gardeners prefer the perennials over the annuals. These beautiful plants tend to bloom for just a short time a season, up to three weeks, but maintain their greenery throughout the season. Perennials fall into two categories, deciduous and evergreen. Pine trees fall into the evergreen category. Deciduous perennials are perennials that flower such as Tulips, Black-Eyed Susans and Lilies, among many others.
Perennials Have Robust Root Systems
The super-power in perennials is their root system. Perennials use their first growing season to establish a strong root system, before their first winter. With enough water, about an inch a week, proper weeding and fertilizing, the roots will grow deep. The second growing season a gardener will see the benefits of their perennial care as the plants bloom and flourish.
With proper care, a well-rooted perennial will last several seasons. These perennials have some wonderful advantages over the annuals in the garden.
Overall Less Maintenance
Perennials require less yearly maintenance. Gardeners can save money, energy and time by not having to clear out flower beds and replanting each year. Also, the beds will not require annual composting and mulching.
Because they remain in the soil, and the soil is not disturbed by pulling and replanting each year, the root systems of the perennials improve the structure of the soil. The ground is aerated and channeled by the roots, allowing water to travel through the soil more efficiently. This benefits the perennials and other plants that are living in the area to get the water and oxygen they need to flourish.
They Benefit Other Plants in Your Garden
The deeper root system of the perennials in a garden will benefit other plants nearby by bringing water and nutrients up to the top of the soil for those plants with a shallow root. Nutrients, such as nitrogen, are drawn to the surface by the roots of perennials. Water also is drawn up. This helps the other vegetation thrive while enriching the soil and making is less susceptible to disease and erosion.
The presence of hardy perennials in a flower bed provides ground cover, preserving soil moisture. Even as they die back in the colder months, these plants usually keep their foliage, covering the soil and protecting it from the sun.
Many perennials are easy to propagate by dividing and replanting to produce new plants. While most perennials last a long time, they do not last forever. This system of digging up the root clump, splitting and replanting will ensure a long-lasting garden.
Plan Your Flower Bed with Executive Lawn Care
One of the most popular reasons that gardeners prefer perennials is the variety. With a bit of planning, it is possible to have a garden that always has different varieties blooming.
Annuals tend to all bloom at the same time of the season, while the perennials can be planned to offer a gardener’s reward throughout the growing season. Annuals have their place in the gardener’s garden but for long-lasting beauty, benefits to the soil and surrounding plant-life, a perennial garden with blooms throughout the season is a gardener’s prize. No matter what route you choose, Executive Lawn Care has the capabilities to help you prep a garden that impresses. Contact us today to schedule our services.
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