How do you use perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants to reduce replanting?

1 What are perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants?

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years and produce flowers and seeds every year. They usually have a dormant period in winter when they lose their leaves or die back to the ground, but they regrow from their roots or bulbs in spring. Native plants are plants that grow naturally in your region and are adapted to the climate, soil, and wildlife. They are more resistant to pests, diseases, and drought than exotic plants. Self-seeding plants are plants that drop their seeds on the ground and grow new plants without any intervention from you. They can be annuals, biennials, or perennials, depending on their life cycle.

2 Why use perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants?

Using perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants has many benefits for your garden and the environment. First of all, they reduce the need for replanting every year, which saves you time, money, and labor. Second, they create a more natural and diverse look in your garden, with different colors, shapes, and textures. Third, they attract beneficial insects, birds, and butterflies, which pollinate your flowers and control pests. Fourth, they conserve water and prevent soil erosion, as they have deeper roots and require less irrigation and mulching than annuals. Fifth, they reduce your carbon footprint, as they do not need fertilizers, pesticides, or transportation.

3 How to choose perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants?

When choosing perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants for your garden, you should consider several factors, such as your zone, sun exposure, soil type, water availability, and personal preference. You should also think about the size, shape, color, bloom time, and maintenance level of the plants. You can use online tools, books, magazines, or local nurseries to find the best plants for your garden. You can also visit other gardens or natural areas to see what plants thrive in your region and match your style.

4 How to plant perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants?

Planting perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants is not very different from planting any other plants. You should prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris, and adding organic matter if needed. You should dig a hole that is slightly larger and deeper than the root ball of the plant, and place the plant in the hole at the same level as it was in the pot. You should fill the hole with soil and water the plant well. You should also mulch around the plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds. You should space the plants according to their mature size and growth habit, and arrange them in groups or drifts for a better visual effect.

5 How to care for perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants?

Caring for perennials, native plants, and self-seeding plants is relatively easy, as they are more self-sufficient than annuals. However, they still need some attention and maintenance to keep them healthy and beautiful. You should water them regularly during the first year, and then only when the soil is dry or during droughts. You should prune them to remove dead or damaged stems, flowers, or leaves, and to shape them or control their size. You should divide them every few years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate them. You should fertilize them sparingly or not at all, as they prefer low-nutrient soils. You should also monitor them for pests or diseases, and treat them organically if needed.

6 How to manage self-seeding plants?

Self-seeding plants can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you manage them. On one hand, they can fill gaps, create surprises, and add diversity to your garden. On the other hand, they can become invasive, compete with other plants, or look messy. To manage self-seeding plants, you should learn to recognize their seedlings and decide which ones to keep or remove. You should also deadhead or cut back the plants before they set seeds, or collect the seeds and sow them where you want them. You should also use barriers or edging to prevent the seeds from spreading to unwanted areas.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?