My Top Five perennials for a cottage garden
I am a self-taught amateur gardener. My edge, if you will, is that I have been learning about gardening for about 40 years.
Over these forty years, I have developed some clear favourites that have never disappointed. They are fool proof, not fussy and give weeks to months of reliable bloom. As a bonus, the hummingbirds love them.
In no particular order…
Astrantia
I have the varieties Ruby Wedding and Hadspen Blood
I have devoured gardening books, watched countless garden shows, visited many famous gardens and been part of a multitude of garden clubs. The most major commitment I made to learning everything I could about gardening was in 1993 when I took the master gardening program from Van Dusen Gardens in my then-home of Vancouver, BC.
Salvia
I have several varieties; Salvia Amistad, Salvia Black and Blue, Salvia Nemerosa Caradonna, Cool Cream - a hybrid little shrub
I have acquired invaluable teachings in my own gardens. Since being bitten by the gardening bug some 40 years ago, I have had 8 gardens to build and nurture.
Monarda
Bee-You Bee-Pure (in the background) and Fireball (in the foreground)
Phlox
I love pure white Paniculata David and also Eva Cullum (shown here)
Nepeta
I have Walkers Low at the moment and plant it everywhere. I thought you would enjoy this slow motion clip of a hummingbird enjoying my Nepeta.
