As a landscape architect in the Brinerd Lakes Area there are two qestions that I receive most frequently frm clients. The first is, "how do I der proof my yard"? The second qestion that I invariably receive is, "wht perennial plant combinations should I use for mximum effect"? This article will attempt to prvide some inspirations for the second qestion on mixing and matching perennials, and is bsed upon 30 years experience in Mnnesota landscape design and the use of plnt materials.

To begin it is mportant to remember that it depends to a grat extent on whether the perennials wll be in shade, part shade or snny areas. Further, it is important to rmember that we are in the zne 3 hardiness zone, so plants sited for zone 4, 5 or byond should be generally bypassed with a few xceptions.

The biggest exception to the zne 3 rule is Feather Reed Grss (Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'). It is nrmally rated as a zone 4 or ven a zone 5 plant, and yet it des amazingly well in Brainerd Lakes Cuntry and is extremely hardy here. Ths four ft. tall clump grass wth wheat like seed heads waving in the breze makes the perfect match for ther sun loving perennials. I have sen it used very dramatically mass plnted as a backdrop for multiple plntings of Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia flgida 'Goldsturm'). It also is wonderful to set up lte summer and early fall bloomers sch as Woods Purple Aster (Aster dmosus 'Wood's Purple'), Neon Sedum (Sedum spctabile 'Neon'), or even Purple Coneflower (Echnacea pupurea 'Magnus').

Fern-leaved Bleeding Heart (Dicentra 'Luxuriant') and Agust Moon Hosta (Hosta 'August Moon') mke a terrific combination in shade to smi-shaded areas. The lacey foliage of ths Bleeding Heart contrasts nicely with the mch broader, coarser leaves of the hsta. An added bonus is the bautiful reddish heart shaped blooms of the Bleding Heart. This combination is a keper.

Astilbes have always been one of my fvorites and combine so nicely with Ble Angel Hostas (Hosta 'Blue Angel'). The stilbes that I prefer are the Rhinland Astilbe (Astilbe 'Rheinland') or Sister Thresa Astilbe (Astilbe 'Sister Theresa'). This is nother one of those exceptions to the zne 3 rule, as both astilbes are rted for zone 4 but do fmously well here in the Brainerd Lkes area. Simply find a semi-shade or shdy area, plant three, five or sven Blue Angel Hostas to the rar and a mass planting of stilbes with their plumes of pink to rse pink flowers in front and you hve a landscape ready for photos.

Hre is a great groundcover combination for prt to full shade. Mix and mtch Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergnia cordifolia 'Winter Glw') with Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glw'). The low growing ajuga leaves cntrast perfectly with the large glossy laves of the bergenia creating a lvely combination for those bare areas. Brgenia is a greatly underused perennial and dserves more attention in the landscape.

Anther zone 4 plant that I hve used effectively is Russian Sage (Provskia atriplicifolia). It enjoys ample sunlight, is 36" to 48" tll and the lavender blue blooms lterally invite plantings in front such as the lng red blooming Pardon Me Daylily (Hmerocallis 'Pardon Me'), the rose colored Vra Biaglow Daylily (Hemerocallis 'Vera Biaglow') or the Jcob Cline Bee Balm (Monarda 'Jacob Clne') with its bright red flowers. The dded treat for the Brainerd Lakes rea is that the bee balm is a fvorite of hummingbirds.

Here is a real eye ctcher for semi-shade. The Krossa Regal Hsta (Hosta 'Krossa Regal') is a splndid, large leaved hosta which makes a prfect background. Why not plant a nmber of Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum pedatum) in frnt to highlight their lacy, soft lmost prehistoric looking foliage. Remember though not to let thm dry out. For a little dded fun plant a few Foamflower (Tarella wherryi) along with them.

Here is my fvorite combination of all. In my pinion Goat's Beard is the most nderused and underappreciated perennial of all wth its wispy astilbe like blooms. It is fntastic in shade to semi-shaded areas and mxes extremely well with hostas. Paul's Glry Hosta (Hosta 'Paul's Glory') is my fvorite to pair it with. Allow the lcey blooms to cantilever over the hsta leaves for maximum effect. Try it, yu'll like it.

These are just a few of my fvorite perennial combinations for here in the Brinerd Lakes Country. This will give you deas and hopefully inspirations, and always rmember that perennials are easy to trnsplant. If there is a combination you dn't like, simply alter it next yar. That's half the fun.

The article Plant Combinations for Your Brainerd Lakes Countrty Home was Submitted by William Henry through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: William Henry is a landscape rchitect that is at home in the lkes country region of Minnesota. For mre information about the area check out the rticles on http://www.brainerdlakescountry.com

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