I am always delighted when in Brussels, Belgium, to see their smart move to plant perennials in public parks and front yards. So lovely to admire many familiar flowers, and to think how they help to cut back on environmental issues and on the workload for city gardeners.
One of the most important elements in a successful public urban green space is flowering plants. Plants have the power to soften and civilize public urban space, even in places once thought to be dangerous. These green oases give pleasure to millions who crave a connection with nature in their lives.
Perennials are gardeners’ favorite plants and shrubs:
Perennial varieties require much less maintenance than annuals. You can expect to spend less time and effort feeding, watering, and otherwise tending to your plants.
Many Perennials, especially Natives, provide pollen, nectar, seeds, and nesting material for birds, bees, and butterflies.
Native perennial ground covers can reduce soil erosion and create interest in pathways, on slopes, and along roadsides and ditches. By planting Native plants appropriate to your garden’s eco-region, you eliminate the need for heavy inputs like soil amendments, chemical feed, and excessive watering.
Perennials are a long-term investment that makes an appearance year-after-year. Many perennials multiply or spread in the growing season, making them an investment with great returns!
Perennial gardens and meadows offer unparalleled interest. Plan and design your garden to change with each season. Plant swaths of perennials around evergreens and dot your design with annuals to create a garden that delivers outstanding statement-worthy colors from spring to fall!
In contrast, I watch the environmental waste many cities create by planting thousands of annuals and ripping them out after blooming, just to plant the next thousand flowers for the summer/fall season. And do the same year after year … Are they not thinking that those plants have been grown in greenhouses during Winter, using enormous amounts of energy and often numerous plastic pots or trays.
And who pays for all this waste? We taxpayers! Write or phone your city counselors and ask them to plant more perennials in public gardens.
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