Succession planting is the practice of designing with plants that have different bloom times so there’s always something flowering in the garden. Though it can be one of the most challenging technical elements of garden design, it is also one of the most fun to learn (and it gives gardeners a great excuse to head back to the garden center for more plants!).
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| Notice how this landscape holds a great deal of visual interest even though not every plant is in bloom. Once the Monarda is finished blooming, the Sedum and ornamental grasses will steal the show. |
Before you purchase plants for your garden, do your research and learn what the peak season of interest is for the plants you like. Combine those with similar bloom times, but be sure to position them near other plants that will bloom earlier or later so there’s always something in bloom. Intersperse plants with appealing foliage or form to ensure continuous visual interest all year long.
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| Shopping at the garden center throughout the growing season will ensure you have something in bloom in your garden from spring through fall. |
When shopping at the garden center, keep in mind that people tend to impulsively buy plants that are colorful and blooming. If you only make one trip to the garden center in spring, your garden may end up being filled with spring blooming plants but may hold little visual interest later in the year. That is why it is important to shop for plants throughout the growing season, picking up plants that bloom at different times. Keep in mind that some plants may be blooming out of their natural sequence at the garden center and may bloom at a different time in your own garden.
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