The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Check with your local extension service about testing your soil and getting recommendations for altering its pH. Once you choose a site, sketch a plan showing the location of each plant. Be sure to give plants the space they need to grow. Then use the sketch to figure how many plants to buy. The perennials we've focused on are readily available at nurseries and garden centers in a variety of container sizes from small pots to multi-gallon cans.
Perennials are also available through mail-order catalogs.
When choosing perennials, match their needs to the soil type, sun exposure and other site conditions. And make sure the ones you pick can survive the winters where you live. Preparing for planting. Spade or rototill the site two weeks before planting and remove all sod and weeds. Use a steel garden rake to break up any large clumps of soil, which can slow plant development.