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My garden doesn't look anything like this today.
But, I can dream, can't I?
But, I can dream, can't I?
I was awakened by howling winds... dark grey skies, blowing snow. I probably wouldn't mind so much if it hadn't been for that glorious early start to spring 2 weeks ago.
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That's when the weather warmed so beautifully I was able to spring into action and clean up one of my flower beds.
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Then as quickly as spring arrived, it disappeared. Under another foot of snow. Unseasonably cold March days. No more tromping around the garden ~ at least not for awhile.
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So, today I'm dreaming about my assembly line perennials. They may not be ultra-cool or super exotic. But they serve a happy purpose. These girls bloom in rapid succession all summer long.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIGt_BQ0fpRoduvt3i276oq2WYrQPq9G2vdhR-MzeIxJTCQ2uciRpWXNNkia0BmfBwxVkGMSzdQII_cvECSK4H82SpfQQfmo6-V1zmdhAorfc0_LxX95OO2YtF5ZlR7Srbs5I/s400/Geranium_Johnsons_Blue.jpg)
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Come 4th of July, Jupiter's Beard celebrate their own independence. It doesn't matter how often I thin the herd, they still grow up to be monsters.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkR4CVuqkHQBw3NLCMBx1q1PHC3Ztgwo2vzKXTuuS2uo8-pGXGH0z8Mx7lwO5r8CLEQMKHxVadpyErH5QDhwnKMwhyphenhyphenVpOUEYFgFaZR_OMlzT8x3-vO6vDYCHlxP7-hCNnXgtr/s400/jupiter_opt.jpg)
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The only real downside to a perennial garden is that even the long-blooming perennials only flower for 6-8 weeks, as opposed to 4 months of flowers with annuals. But, I still think perens are the way to go.
If I had to hand out report cards, these gals would graduate at the top of their class. The perennials listed here provide bright, gorgeous color from early spring to late fall.
- Alyssum
- Jacobs Ladder
- Columbine
- Cranesbill Geraniums
- Achillea Yarrow
- Rudbeckia
- Jupiter's Beard
- Solidago
- Asters
- Sedum