how much greenery?

[Crankyshank]

I placed my rather large perennial order today from bluestone. I got such an awesome deal- I'm so excited.
I'm planting a few lilies, hydrangeas, irises, phlox, lavender, delphiniums, and a clematis as well as a few other flowers. Should I plant some greenery? I just don't like hostas and ferns all that much and I have such a small area to use (I have 3 3x6 sections plus 1 2x4 area). I was thinking maybe getting this http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/.../sf=code/se=LAOFS.html?id=Pfwbg5Dp&mv_pc=3042 to throw in between the irises and the lilies.

 

[Mamu]

Love all your choices, perennials are my favorite, but they do have a limited flowering season. Once they get established there will be plenty of greenery. I think you may need something to brighten up the area. Some annuals will do this. Most annuals will flower the whole season.

All the plants you selected grow rather tall. A few medium height annuals and a few low growing annuals will brighten up the area on down times. I like things that are fairly easy to grow and like the same soil conditions. Things that don't require lots of water are best when mixing with perennials. There are also foliage plants that will add color, coleus is one, and the new stain-glass coleus's, that grow in the sun are wonderful for adding color. You can keep them trimmed so they do not take up too much room. Some of the low growing grasses are another foliage choice. I do think the area will need color. You already have a lot of green.

Because you are growing perennials remember do not use a lot of fertilizer, bone meal is the best for these plants.

 

[sorcerormickey]

Mamu is right - once established, you will have lots of greenery during the non-blooming periods. Nice selections too!! And, woo-hoo, I am waiting for my Bluestone order too - shipped yesterday, due here on Friday!! Happy planting!!

 

[Crankyshank]

I'm going to be planting annuals too I usually plant lots of geraniums, dahlias, tulips, and whatever else catches my eye at the time.

I'm trying to get some perennials in there to really fill up the empty beds because there's really nothing there now and it's so naked looking.