Carolina Gardening: What is perennial ...., 0 by BSD

BSD wrote:
Since we are in similar zone I would consider permanent planting in the background and then add extras in the front. I experienced your problem with age and realized that I did not need an entire yard that needed constant care. This is what I did.
I call it layered planting and this was done in the front of my house. I wanted it to look good but not require constant care. I had the regular azaleas that had been there since the beginning of time and knew that it would be very expensive to replace all of them. I came in front of them and planted varigated pittisporims. I did this on the sides and at the center I used firepower nandina for some contrast. In areas where I needed height I used Japanese yews, You can then always add perennials of your choice if you want more color. Have you considered having just a perenial bed seperate from your permanent planting? Something that will be easy to maintain yet blooms all season. I have done this and will be glad to give you a list of plants if you are interested.