Experienced gardeners often combine annuals and perennials for beauty in the garden all year round. Annuals and perennials each have their advantages and disadvantages. So, used together, they can complement each other, and you can have the right colour and texture for every occasion. In today’s blog article we are going to talk about why and how they can be combined. 

Annuals

The advantage of annuals is that you can have instant colour. Annuals grow fast and can fill in any blank space with the colour and texture you need. You plant them and they bloom right away.

You can find annuals to achieve any look you desire. Maybe you have a spot where you are having a hard time getting a perennial to take root and be happy. Or maybe you like a specific annual but our temperatures are too cold in the winter for them to survive. Many annuals that we use are actually tender perennials that would survive long term in a warmer climate.

Some annuals just may have a look that you like. For example, portulaca is beautiful in a sunny location and blooms in bright colours all summer. Geraniums are tender perennials that can be over-wintered with some care and attention.

Perennials

Perennials have the advantage of coming back every year. Of course, you have to see what does well in your particular location and exposure. We all have slightly different soil composition and exposure to the elements. Irises may do really well at your house, but you may struggle with tulips. Your neighbour across the street may find just the opposite results.

Some perennials get bigger and better every year, such as daffodils or chives or ornamental grasses. Others tend to fade with time. But often our perennials are not as colourful and do not have as long of a bloom time as annuals. So, you may want perennials in the background and just annuals in the front, where they are easy to dig up and replant each year.

For the reasons noted above, do not hesitate to mix annuals and perennials. And you may be surprised that some annuals reseed themselves, and you may find them again next year! 

Art Knapp has 15 locations across British Columbia and is well known as the go-to garden centre for everything garden-related. Art Knapp, himself, began the business in the 1940's, and now, 80 years later, you can find more than he ever dreamed of in our stores. Come and see us on King George Boulevard in Surrey. 

If you have any questions about this article or want to talk to us about gardening, just give us a call at (604) 596-9201.