Gradually I read more and more about the famous perennial gardens in England. The pictures of famous borders in Waterperry and other open gardens were quite inspiring - though I did wonder if this style would transplant well into my garden, with its resident New Zealand wind. All the photos looked - well - windless!
My early experiments with perennials were confined to frothy summer flowers, as I discovered gauras and penstemons. Then my friend Astrid gave me some daylilies to try out in the country spaces. My introduction to these brilliant plants has been a turning point in my concept of perennials. Now I'd never be without them.
You'll find perennials all over the place at Mooseys now - and yes, I do have a row of catmint, and several patches of that original lilac phlox (which I have a love-hate relationship with). And I do have my favourites - though they mightn't get to be stars in a traditional herbaceous perennial border.
When first given some Japanese Anemones I immediately planted them in a hot border by the house. It was quite the wrong place, but luckily for me the soil was desperately dry and I was able to dig out all the bits of roots.
Down the Driveway
An area down the driveway was designated as a more appropriate patch, and all my plants were moved there. So far they've not gone forth and multiplied too much. Again the soil is infertile and inclined to be dry, and their beautiful white flowers brighten up this shady spot, though they aren't happy in autumn droughts.
Footnote - 2010
Did I in all innocence think I'd managed to remove all those roots? Because now, in 2010, I have a thriving patch of white Japanese Anemones in that original planting place. They are quite delightful from late summer on, particularly when their flowering stems are infiltrated by a pale blue aster. And provided I keep up my watering regime I have masses of beautiful white flowers.
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