Perennial Garden Design

Perennials can form a key part of a garden's structure and are dynamic and colorful plants whose forms and textures can be used to alter moods and influence the way we respond to and use a garden. The first section of this book shows how to create garden schemes with perennials, and the second section looks at the best perennials for year-round planting and color effect. A third section considers how to use perennials in different styles of garden. The book is completed by a list of perennials for special purposes, and an A–Z directory with practical tips on all the plants included in the earlier chapters.

Perennials can form a key part of a garden's structure, and are dynamic and colorful plants whose forms and textures can influence the way we respond to and use a garden. This useful book instructs gardeners in all aspects of designing with perennials, from color schemes to matching different styles of gardens.

The Charlotte Observer

"Should help professional designers and advanced amateurs aim for a higher level of perennial garden design. The stunning photographs show gardens at top form, beautifully arranged, and quite big. Yet they offer lessons in artful combinations of color, texture and form that could be brought down to a homeowner's smaller space."

—Nancy Brachey, Charlotte Observer, May 20, 2006

Michael King is a garden designer, photographer, and author who runs a garden advice bureau from Amsterdam. He is constantly evaluating new garden perennials and new ideas in landscape and garden design, and his ongoing areas of research include the latest trends in planting design and the introduction of garden worthy perennials. A British native, he became immersed in his lifelong passion for gardens and plantsmanship while working at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as secretary to the board of trustees. In addition to designing gardens, he has written many articles on plants and planting design and is the author of five books.