Perennials form the backbone of great gardens. Their size alone is rivaled by few fast growing annuals, giving structure and dimension to your garden. They bring color early, before it is safe to plant bedding plants and give your garden character past the first frosts which kill all but the hardiest annuals. They chart the progression of the season as different varieties come into full bloom, lending every garden they grace a dynamicism that is unknown in annual only gardens. In mixed gardens, perennials give the annuals something to play against, color combinations that build, climax and transition with time.

And, best of all, they can be planted throughout the growing season. Now, for instance.

The perennials are all out and on display. Gaps in our inventory have been filled. They are just waiting for you to come and give them a good home!

We took advantage of the past warm spell to uncover the perennials. They have been snuggled under a frost cloth and inches of mulch all winter to protect them from the drying winter weather and the cold. Since we had so much snow that never seemed to melt this past winter, we were a bit worried about the state of the perennials. Were they too cold? Too wet? Just right? We were very happy to discover, once the plants were unveiled, that they look very healthy and fresh! Already, in just a few days, new green growth is visible and some, like the spring-blooming Pasque Flower, already have buds emerging. Yay! In short order, we will begin moving them to their summer homes out in our perennial area between the greenhouses. Spring is a great time to plant perennials!

When thousands of plants surround you every day it is hard to pick favorites, but I must say that I am super excited by all the new varieties of Heuchera (Coral Bells) that we have this year. I am in love with the wide spectrum of colors and variegation of their leaves. I can't wait until summer comes and I get to see their dainty bloom shoots that float like clouds above their striking foliage from May until July. And then, in the fall, they are one of the most spectacular plants for fall containers - maintaining their color through those cold nights, keeping summer alive.

They are also a very easy plant, being widely adaptable. They liven up the shade and shine in the sun (with enough moisture). They are very winter hardy in our area and can be planted up to an altitude of 8000'. And the cherry on top is that they are purported to be deer resistant.

I love Coral Bells. Give them a try and I'm sure you will too!