PERENNIAL GARDEN
Plants that Return
What makes a plant a perennial? Perennials are plants that survive longer than two years in the region they are planted. Many of these plants have special underground structures like fleshy roots or dense crowns that help them survive the winter. Many of our most classic garden plants are perennials, for instance daylilies, iris, peonies, coneflowers, and many grasses are perennial.
This garden demonstrates hundreds of hardy perennial varieties, both historical and contemporary. Planted in one of our oldest gardens, some of these perennials have lived nearly 50 years! New varieties are being added every year to showcase their mature size and longevity in a traditional landscape management style.
To provide the best demonstration of the plant varieties, the garden is designed in groupings across narrow beds. Each variety may have 3-5 individual plants clustered near one another. To add seasonal interest throughout the year, bulbs including daffodils and surprise lilies are scattered across the garden for a lovely mass effect.
Throughout the development of the arboretum, this space has evolved. The original conifer collection provides a backdrop on the southern end of the garden, while upright conifers are scattered throughout for architecture. There are several sculptures in this garden as well. The footprint of this garden is now nearly an acre!
Thousands of perennial varieties make this garden their home, and new ones are always being added. As plant varieties are developed from breeders, we acquire those plants to see how they perform in Iowa. There are both sun and shade areas, with part-sun in between. Something is almost always blooming in this garden, making it a regular favorite of our long-time members.
Don’t miss the Shrub Border or the Theresa Schutt Hosta House nearby!
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