Stepping Stones to Perennial Garden Design
Site Assessment
Exposure
Exposure to the elements can affect your perennials. Strong summer winds can increase watering demands. Many tall perennials will need to be staked to prevent breaking and falling over. Winter winds can influence winter accents created by dried and bleached plant remains. If ornamental grass plumes and seed heads of various perennials are left to provide winter interest, strong winter winds would wreak havoc on your design intentions.
Reflective heat is radiated heat from surrounding surfaces. Stand next to a car that is sitting in the sun and you start to feel uncomfortably warm. The sunlight reflects off the car and radiates heat. A brick wall can absorb heat in the full sun, radiating warmth after the sun goes down. A bed planted between a walkway and a wall can absorb reflective heat and dry out very quickly. Expect increased water demands.
A garden placed in an open low area is more susceptible to late spring and early fall frost. Frost will settle in low, unprotected areas.
