Perennial garden

I am new to this flower gardening. I have a sunny space in my yard that is aprox. 3'x8'. rectangle. I am very confused as what to do. Since some perennials only bloom for short periods and some have ugly foliage after blooming I'm not quite sure what to plant. I prefer reds & yellows. I would appreciate any input. My email is marcy55@mindspring.com

you don't need to post your e-mail address(not recommended anyway), people will post answers right on here

Do you just want flowers?or planning on some year round interest?

I love using the garden plans on Better Homes and Gardens, gives you some great ideas and you can actually go thru them to see which style you like.
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/

I personally like matching my garden style and colors to my house.
There are many on line gardening companies that offer beginner gardens and you buy the whole collection
Bluestone Perennials is a great company
http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/preplanned.html?id=2ZszAtyC

Try Gaillardia for reds and yellows. Tough plant, long blooming and beautiful.

Doug

Marcy..Check out the post in "Cottage Gardening : Need a list of cottage plants" I have an entry listed 4/30/11. I have a list of goodies and there are many wonderful entries and photos. Ant questions after that just post hee I will check back in. Kathy.

Pix is Coulumbine, they bloom a long time when deadheaded.

I didn't know bluestone had that. Thanks for the tip. I have a circular bed and don't know what to plant in it. I think I'll start with purple homestead verbena (which I have some) and yellow Rudebica, but have to check out those garden styles first.

I would recommend a backdrop of evergreen flowering shrubs to give structure when the flowering perennials die back. There are many resources available to help you select red and yellow flowering plants such as the Monrovia website, Sunset Western Garden Book, etc. They will specify when the flowers are in bloom. You could stagger bloom times to give a longer display time. Also pay attention to the planting zone, plant size at maturity, light available, and water amount needed for the plants. You would want to select plants with the same water and light needs (sunny). I also like to select plants with different forms; for example spiky and round flowers.

coneflowers especially black eyed susan are great. red poppies, daylilies, lilies, crocosmia, blazing stars, clematis.

Water is a vital part in getting newly planted perennial gardens established. Soak the plants initially after planting and then check regularly to prevent drying out. The most common and time efficient way to water perennial gardens is to use soaker hoses. Most perennials do not require large amounts of fertilizer if the soils have been prepared properly. Weeds that do appear in perennial gardens are often best controlled by shallow cultivation. Thanks.