Five years ago, I planted 15,000 perennials thinking they’d all return stronger each year. Some did. Many faded. A few vanished altogether. What I learned is that not all “perennials” are created equal.
This guide is the book I wish I’d had then. It's a clear, practical way to recognize plants that will last.
Inside, you’ll find:
Why some perennials thrive for decades while others disappear after a season.
The Plant Sets system - Workhorses, Staples, and Divas: a simple framework for knowing what to expect and how to mix them.
Garden Presence - four phases of impact that matter as much as bloom time.
A curated palette of 80 plants - the ones I came to trust after years of trial, plus a guide for building your own.
Common gardening myths debunked - permission to push boundaries
Glossary of garden terms for quick reference.
Whether you’re planting your first garden or refining a mature one, The Honest Perennial Guide helps you align plant choices with your goals.
Five years ago, I planted 15,000 perennials thinking they’d all return stronger each year. Some did. Many faded. A few vanished altogether. What I learned is that not all “perennials” are created equal.
This guide is the book I wish I’d had then. It's a clear, practical way to recognize plants that will last.
Inside, you’ll find:
Why some perennials thrive for decades while others disappear after a season.
The Plant Sets system - Workhorses, Staples, and Divas: a simple framework for knowing what to expect and how to mix them.
Garden Presence - four phases of impact that matter as much as bloom time.
A curated palette of 80 plants - the ones I came to trust after years of trial, plus a guide for building your own.
Common gardening myths debunked - permission to push boundaries
Glossary of garden terms for quick reference.
Whether you’re planting your first garden or refining a mature one, The Honest Perennial Guide helps you align plant choices with your goals.