If you’ve ever thrown a glance over a garden fence, you know that the same plant can be either a big yawn or a real looker, and the only difference is the combination of neighboring plants. How come?

Find that spot

Plants work together in coordination. Your first indication that certain types do well in combination, and that others don’t at all, is their location requirements – that is, whether they prefer sun or shade, whether they like dry or moist, poor or rich soil. Perennials do best and need the least work when they get what they need, where they need it, in the yard. The first thing to do is observe the light and soil conditions in the planned area, and only then seek out the appropriate perennials for them. Of course, the inverse of the above rule of thumb is also true: if the plants take priority for their artistic characteristics – for height, color, and flowering season, say – then that herbaceous border will also demand more maintenance.

Contrasts

Now, the first principle for a successful garden bed is the same in each case: colors must go well together. Just as important, though, are the leaf and flower forms and the plant’s structure, as a whole. It’s contrast that really brings a planting to life. That said, don’t overdo it. You’ll achieve the best effect by selecting some handsome accent perennials and then deciding on their best companion plants. It’s the filler perennials that create visual harmony. Accent perennials are, as a rule, the most impressive plants in a bed. The lower, structural perennials play a decisive part in the color scheme, not to mention keep the whole design coherent – they’re the “green glue” that holds it all together. A classic filler perennial for sunny areas is lady’s mantle (Alchemilla). Its gray-green foliage and yellow-green flowers work well with a whole host of plants. In partial shade, try Heuchera, Vinca, or barren strawberry (Waldsteinia ternate).

Year-round beauty

Bed designs that really work are those that sport a variety of plants year-round. Choose accent perennials with different blooming seasons and the structural perennials to match, combining them in the bed. Early-blooming types should be placed up near the front, since they’re usually lower to the ground, and so the later-blooming sorts can grow at their own speed in the background. Don’t forget: plant the whole bed with spring bulbs and keep interspersing plants that have something going for them in winter – something like an evergreen or those with flower stalks that remain attractive when dried.

Some seldom-seen

For those passionate hobbyists seeking hard-to-find perennials – who’ve tried in vain at their local nursery – you’ll find more perennial suppliers offering special varieties on the internet.