SOIL CONDITIONS
In General, perennials require loamy, well-drained soil for good growth. Adding organic material to your soil improves its texture and provides nutrients. Composted cow manure, peat humus and/or Complete Planting Mix all work well.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLANTS
When designing your perennial garden, keep in mind the cultural requirements of the plants you choose, as well as other factors such as height, color and time of bloom. Check the plant tag or consult our staff for recommendations for plants for your conditions.

SPACING
Plan for plants to double in size in a year's growth, and for 3 years from planting to maturity. Closer spacing will result in a fuller garden sooner, but will also require dividing sooner. Spaces in a new perennial garden can be filled with annuals for color until the perennials are mature. Lay out all plants before planting; make adjustments at this time. Check tags for plant spread, or check with our staff.

PLANTING
Container plants can be planted at any time during the growing season. Keep in mind that plantings in the heat of summer will require more water than plantings in the spring or fall. Choose a cloudy day if possible or plant after the sun's gone off the area. Be sure your soil is in good condition and moderately moist. Dig a hole about 2 times the size of the container and add a trowel-full of composted cow manure to the bottom of the hole. Loosen any tight roots by "teasing" with your fingers. Plant the same depth as the plant was in the container and backfill with soil. Water in well- a slow trickle over a long period will soak in better than flooding. Be sure the roots remain moist for 2 weeks after planting. After that regular watering is adequate.

MARKING PLANTING SITES
Marking all plantings with labeled stakes will prevent accidental upheaval of new and established plants.

STAKING
Some perennials require staking for satisfactory performance. Twiggy branches can work well for bushy plants such as gypsophila or coreopsis. Single stakes (bamboo or wire with loops) are good for plants with tall individual stems, like delphinium. Hoop stakes work well for clumps like peonies. Put stakes in place as plants emerge in the spring.

MULCHING
In summer, mulch keeps moisture in and weeds out. Use about 2" of bark mulch, cocoa shells, buckwheat hulls, or compost. Mulch when ground is thoroughly warm in spring, after thorough watering. In winter, mulch keeps plants from heaving out of frozen ground. Evergreen boughs such as white pine or balsam, are easy to come by and easy to remove in the spring. Mulch after ground has frozen hard.

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