The Rise of Perennial Gardens: Why They're Gaining Popularity in Australia

Perennial gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years in Australia due to their range of benefits, including year-round beauty and reduced maintenance requirements. This surge in popularity can be attributed, in part, to the work of Piet Oudolf, a Dutch landscape designer whose designs, such as the New York Highline, have become synonymous with the "new perennial movement."

While perennial gardens in the Northern Hemisphere undergo a seasonal change, gardens in regions of Australia with mild winters are evergreen all year round. This makes them an attractive option for those who want a garden that is always in bloom.

One of the primary reasons for the increasing popularity of perennial gardens in Australia is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted every year, perennials come back year after year, meaning that once you have planted your garden, you can enjoy it without having to do a lot of work.

Another reason is that many perennial plants are well-suited to Australia's hot, dry summers, making them ideal for drought-prone areas. This means that even if you live in an area with limited rainfall, you can create a beautiful garden that thrives in dry soil.

Perennial gardens also offer year-round beauty, providing colour and texture to your garden throughout the year. Unlike annuals, which typically only bloom for a few months, perennials provide cut flowers that you can enjoy throughout the year.

ABOVE A well planned perennial garden can provide cut flowers all year round.

In addition, a well-maintained perennial garden can increase the value of your property, adding curb appeal to your home and making your outdoor living space more enjoyable. When designing your garden we recommend mimicking the feeling of nature while still carefully planning the layout. These gardens work best on a larger scale, with waves of colour repetition flowing throughout the space and directing the eye. Focus on a layout that intertwines sweeping drifts of perennials and ornamental grasses.

ABOVE Using a combination of perennial flowering plants intertwined with grasses creates a soft flowing garden.

When selecting plants based on flower colour, consider complementary colours such as cool blues and purples or warm oranges and yellows. Alternatively, you could opt for a single colour palette, such as pink or white.

ABOVE Using a combination of flower forms and a single colour pallete of white tones creates a dynamic and yet cohesive garden.

Overall, perennial gardens are an excellent option for those looking to add beauty and value to their homes with minimal maintenance. If you are interested in creating a perennial garden, consider consulting with an expert like Brisbane Botanical Design, who specialises in creating stunning gardens for Brisbane residents https://www.brisbanebotanicaldesign.com.au.