Perennials are the heart of so many gardens, coming back year after year to fill our spaces with beautiful flowers and foliage. But because they don’t usually bloom as long as annuals, and change through the seasons, they can sometimes be difficult to use effectively in a garden design—but not for the gardens we visit today in our look back at some of favorite perennial gardens featured on the GPOD.

John Markowski’s garden is just stunning. Here, Veronica spicata (Zones 3–8) is stealing the show with spikes of intense blue flowers. See more of John’s summer garden here: Lush Summer Blooms.

Great perennials are in the shade too. Cherry Ong shared this shot of ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris, Zones 3–7), Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica, Zones 3–8), and hostas growing together. See more of Cherry’s garden here: Ferns and More.

There is spring magic in Ellie Gilbert’s Massachusetts garden from ‘Dreaming Spires’ Siberian iris (Zones 3–8), Salvia ‘Blue Hill’ (Zones 4–8), ‘Karmina’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Karmina’, Zones 5–8), and Heuchera ‘Raspberry Ice’ (Zones 4–9). See more of Ellie’s garden in spring: Spring Comes to Massachusetts.

Istvan Dudas is a British gardener who has shared some breaktaking images with the GPOD. This particular one is a shot I’ll never forget. The expert way he combines perennials is just incredible. See more of Istvan’s designs: Gardening Art Form.

Growing perennials is all about celebrating the sometimes short moment when they are at their peak, as with this incredible spread of moss phlox (Phlox subulata, Zones 3–9) showing off in Ruth Ann Mummey’s garden in New Jersey. See more of her garden here: Gardens at Bellsflower Farm.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Corona E-Grip Trowel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red.

Buy at Amazon

Spear & Jackson 4930FZ Razorsharp Telescopic Tree Pruner

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Telescopic tree pruner with SK5 carbon steel blade which stays sharper for longer. Variable length telescopic handle extends up to 92 Inch (2340mm). Lopper for cutting branches up to 1.2" (30mm). 13 inch (330mm) saw is ideal for cutting thicker branches. Supplied with a long cord and pull-action handle. Part of the Razorsharp Advantage collection, the obvious choice for gardeners who demand and expect precise, powerful performance. "Grow Your Own" Great British Growing 2020 Award Winners.

Buy at Amazon