
Small herbaceous border with Anthemis tinctoria ‘Sauce Hollandaise’, Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’, Nepata faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ – © John Glover/GAP Photos
Flower borders are intrinsic to most people’s gardens, and by choosing perennial plants you’re opting for one of the easier approaches. Annuals need sowing each spring whereas perennials, once planted, will merrily produce blooms year on year. Seek out star performers for your location and soil type – there’s never been a better excuse to nose in your neighbours’ gardens! What grows and flowers well for them is likely to do so for you, and this handy shortcut will save you years of trial and error. Lupins, aquilegias, cranesbill geraniums and delphiniums are just a few good backbone perennials. With a little home-grown research you’ll create borders to be proud of in no time. Here’s how to plant yours up:

Creating a new perennials border under apple trees. Woman marking bed with string line – © Robert Mabic/GAP Photos
First mark the outline of your border. A straight edge is simply defined with a string line. Use lengths of hosepipe to create a template for curved borders.

Creating a new perennials border under apple trees. Man digging along border markings. Removing turf – © Robert Mabic/GAP Photos
Lift any turf off the new border if designing it in a lawned area. Ensure the site is also free from perennial weeds. Dig these out or treat them with a systemic herbicide.

Woman with pots of perennials and grasses ready for planting in newly prepared bed. New perennial border under apple trees. Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’, Salvia pratensis, Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’, Centranthus ruber, Knautia arvensis, Pennisetum alopecuroides – © Robert Mabic/GAP Photos
Select your chosen perennials, choosing robust varieties that mix in well with your desired colour scheme. Consider the longevity of the blooms, and the season of interest you are targeting.

Creating a new perennials border under apple trees. Woman planning and setting out plants in their containers to find the best arrangement and correct spacing. Knautia arvensis, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Salvia pratensis, Panicum vulgare ‘Northwind’ – © Robert Mabic/GAP Photos
Lay the pots on the border, spacing the plants appropriately and in accordance with their final heights. In general, a gradient of tall plants at the back and short ones at the front works best.

Creating a new perennials border under apple trees. Woman planting Pennisetum alopecuroides – © Robert Mabic/GAP Photos
Water your plants well before planting them, and tease out any congested roots. Plant to the same depth as in the pot, then firm and water in well. An organic mulch will add nutrients and retain moisture.