The Perfect Plant for the Perfect Place

2018 was our first year at Gaye Gardens and I think we had a lot of beginner's luck. Everything I planted was really beautiful and did really well! Last summer (2019), our garden was slightly less successful. I spent a lot of time planting flowers that didn't turn out exactly how I'd expected them to.

Yuck

We had some very strange/gangly looking cosmos that ran amuck. The Benary's giant zinnias only came up in one strange area directly in front of our house. I planted an entire flower bed full of cockscomb/celosia that turned out to be some kind of invasive weed. The newly planted hibiscus and delphiniums were pretty much the only success of the season and I was happy when the frost came!

So this year I did what everyone should probably do before you plant anything. I started reading. A lot. I'm researching plants that work with our soil, zone, light, and existing plants. I'm trying to make a cohesive plan instead of just buying things that are pretty and trying to shove them in the garden and then being disappointed when they die or turn into a giant hot mess. What you want is not always what you need.  

My friend at work recommended this incredible book called Perfect Plant, Perfect Place and it has been such a lifesaver! The book is actually out of print so I ordered a used copy on Amazon. It really explains how to determine the size, hardiness, and light /soil requirements for perennials. It even has really great info about houseplants! We are never going to have tropical plants or a perfect cottage garden, but I'm finding all kinds of unique plants that will (allegedly/hopefully) do well in our yard. 

My favorite thing about gardening in the midwest is that you have the luxury of starting over each year. Sure, you may have planted something perennial in the wrong place or somewhere that looks shitty. But you can always dig it up and relocate it. Or give it to your neighbor. 

Fingers crossed the 2020 garden plan works!