3 pointers for perennial gardening

*ardening is an engaging hobby that can provide a host of benefits, some of which may surprise even the most devoted gardeners. For example, Harvard Medical School notes that participating in just 30 minutes of gardening activities burns 135 calories, making gardening a fun and simple way to incorporate more exercise into one’s daily routine. In addition, scientists have long proven that gardening releases the hormones serotonin and dopamine in the brain, each of which is associated with improved mood.

Perennial gardens can be especially attractive to seasoned gardeners and novices. Perennials are plants that come back year after year, and committing to a perennial garden can ensure that people stick with gardening for the long haul, reaping all of the rewards that come with making such a commitment.

Before planting a perennial garden, those new to gardening may want to consider these three tips.

1 Make a plan. A perennial garden comes back year after year, which means any mistakes made when planting are likely to haunt gardeners year after year as well. Factors such as space and location must be considered before planting. Many gardeners utilize garden-planning applications to make the process of planning a garden simpler and more organized. Such applications can be especially useful for novices.

2 Consider aesthetics. Gardens can be awe-inspiring, especially when gardeners consider aesthetics prior to planting. The DIY Network advises gardeners to consider scale before choosing which perennials to plant. Tall plants and wide beds tend to look best outside large homes, while short plants in small beds tend to look better outside small homes.

3 Work with a professional. Local garden centers can be excellent resources when planning perennial gardens. Representatives at such businesses can offer tips on native plants, which will be more likely to thrive year after year than nonnative plants. Such representatives can also help gardeners choose the right plants based on the amount of sunlight the plants will likely get. Each of these factors can be easily overlooked by people who don’t have much gardening experience.