This month, Kathleen Bigge of LaPorte shares her ideas for keeping flower beds colorful from April through September. Gardening is her hobby, so she enjoys both the planning and planting aspects of this time-consuming activity. She has been experimenting with perennials for several years. Any plant's performance, noted Bigge, depends on several factors, including weather, soil, location and nutrient requirements. Some plants need protection from wind, for example, while others, like the brilliant clematis vine, require extra plant food in order to produce lots of blooms.
Clay soil is a challenge faced by many local gardeners.
Bigge has several garden spots around her house, and they all receive sun at least part of the day. Most of the perennials she suggests are not suited to an all-shade garden. The following list should provide plenty of ideas for gardeners who would love to have a rich palette of color blooming in their back yards during spring, summer and fall. Colorful flowering shrubs include spirea and the old favorite, roses. Bigge has had good luck with the pink Centennial shrub rose for all-summer color.