THE most valued plants for small gardens are those that earn their space by performing for long periods. Whether trees, shrubs, perennials or annuals, these border mainstays have extended flowering periods, or more than one trick up their sleeve. For example, Achillea ‘Moonshine’ and cultivars of A. millefolium, such as ‘Terracotta’, return to growth early in spring, creating domes of ferny aromatic foliage that make perfect foils for tulips, dicentra and other spring flowers before they rise and produce their own until summer’s end.
Bark colour and texture
A wide range of plants, including the snowy mespilus (Amelanchier lamarckii) deliver spring flowers, ornamental fruits and autumn leaf tints. Other garden trees like Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula) and many birches have gorgeous bark colour and texture for winter interest.
Cultivars of herbaceous perennials, including monarda and echinacea, are well-known for dying gracefully and leaving structural seed heads behind. Fragrant blooms are a bonus and nectar-rich
