Designing a Beautiful Perennial Garden in Utah
Insights from Rene at Olson’s Garden Shoppe
Why Perennials Matter
Perennials are one of the best investments a gardener can make. Unlike annuals, which must be replanted each year, perennials return season after season—bringing structure, reliability, and long-term value to your landscape.
However, as Rene from Olson’s Garden Shoppe explains, success with perennials requires planning, patience, and understanding how plants behave across seasons.
The Key to Success: Plan for Seasonal Bloom
One of the most important principles Rene emphasizes is this:
“Perennials don’t bloom all season—so you need a mix that blooms in spring, summer, and fall.”
To maintain consistent color and interest:
Choose spring bloomers for early color
Add summer bloomers for peak season
Include fall plants for late-season interest
Incorporate winter structure like evergreens or ornamental bark
This layered approach ensures your garden always has something to offer.
Understanding Plant Life Cycles
Not all perennials behave the same way.
True perennials return every year
Short-lived perennials may decline after a few seasons
Biennials (like some hollyhocks) reseed and reappear
Rene notes that some plants may appear perennial because they reseed, while others gradually fade out if they don’t “naturalize” well in your soil.
The “Three-Year Rule” for Perennials
A critical insight for gardeners:
Year One: Establishment (limited growth)
Year Two: Moderate growth
Year Three: Full maturity and visual impact
Rene advises:
“Don’t judge a plant the first year. Give it time to establish before deciding if it works in your space.”
Spring Bloomers: Early Color and Ground Covers
Spring perennials provide the first burst of life after winter. Popular options include:
Candytuft – evergreen with early white blooms
Creeping Phlox – colorful, spreading ground cover
Columbine – thrives in cooler, partially shaded areas
Brunnera (‘Jack Frost’) – prized for foliage as much as flowers
Many spring plants prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in Utah’s climate.
Summer Bloomers: Peak Garden Color
Summer is when your garden should shine. Rene highlights:
Salvia – reblooms with proper care
Shasta Daisy – classic and bright
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – hardy and reliable
Coneflower (Echinacea) – benefits from fertilization
Deadheading Matters
Rene strongly recommends deadheading (removing spent flowers):
Encourages repeat blooming
Keeps plants looking tidy
Extends flowering into late summer or even fall
Fall Interest: Extending the Season
Fall gardens can be just as striking as summer ones.
Top fall performers include:
Sedum (‘Autumn Joy’) – bold, late-season color
Ornamental grasses – texture and movement
Mums – short-lived but vibrant
Anemones – long-lasting blooms in some varieties
These plants help bridge the gap between summer color and winter dormancy.
Sun, Shade, and Heat Considerations
Not all sunlight is equal.
Rene explains:
Full sun: 4–6+ hours
Morning sun: ideal for most plants
Afternoon sun: intense and potentially damaging
For example:
Shade plants may tolerate some sun—but not hot western exposure
Heat-reflective surfaces (like brick walls) can stress plants quickly
Watering and Establishment
Watering needs change over time:
First year: more frequent watering required
After establishment: many perennials become drought tolerant
Rene advises:
Check soil moisture manually
Adjust irrigation based on exposure (south vs. north side)
Use drip systems when possible
Fertilizing for Better Blooms
Flowering plants require nutrients to perform well.
Rene recommends:
Use fertilizers with a higher middle number (phosphorus)
Apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season
Avoid fertilizing in the fall
Some plants (like sedum) prefer minimal fertilization, while others (like coneflowers) benefit significantly.
Design Tip: Balance Perennials with Shrubs
One common mistake is planting too many small perennials.
Rene suggests:
Incorporate shrubs and evergreens for structure
Use perennials as seasonal highlights
Reduce long-term maintenance by balancing plant types
Final Thoughts
A successful perennial garden is not created overnight. It requires:
Thoughtful plant selection
Seasonal planning
Patience during establishment
As Rene from Olson’s Garden Shoppe emphasizes, the goal is not just to plant flowers—but to create a landscape that evolves beautifully through every season.
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