RICK HALDENBY I PROFILE

Former head of School of Architecture builds exciting new ideas.

As with all perennials, performance varies depending on specific varieties.

Dianthus

Full sun Clay to sandy soil Average to dry soil Height 5 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) Spread 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) Blooms spring to frost.

Geum chiloense

Full sun or partial shade Clay to sandy soil Average to moist soil Height 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) Spread 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) Blooms spring to late summer depending on variety.

Scabiosa columbaria

Full sun Moist soil Average soil Height and spread to 30 cm (12 inches) Blooms mid-summer to fall.

Astrantia major

Full sun to partial shade Sandy to clay soil Average to moist soil Height 60 to 70 cm (23 to 27 inches) Spread 45 to 60 cm (18 to 23 inches) Blooms early summer to early fall.

Achillea millefolium

Full sun Sandy to clay soil Dry or moist soil Height 45 to 140 cm (60 inches) depending on variety Spread 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) Blooms early summer to early fall.

Coreopsis verticillata and Coreopsis rosea

Full sun Sandy to clay soil Dry to moist soil Height 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) Spread 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) Blooms early summer to early fall.

Sedum

Full sun Sandy to clay soil Average to dry soil Height 45 to 60 cm (18 to 23 inches) Spread 45 to 60 cm (18 to 23 inches) Bloom time late summer to fall but attractive foliage.

Gaura lindheimeri

Full sun to part shade Average soil Normal to dry soil Height to 60 cm (24 inches) or more Spread 60 cm (24 inches) Blooms early summer to early fall. Other longer blooming perennials to consider are: shrub roses, perennial geranium, veronica spicata, penstemon, black eyed Susan, columbine, alchemilla, astilbe, and echinacea. Colourful perennials that bloom all summer may be desirable, but don’t forget other sources of colour, plants like heuchera with their amazing foliage, hostas and ferns, or the dramatic Japanese Blood Grass, Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’.