THE PERENNIAL MUSIC HALL

by Bob Reidmuller
printed in Garden Compass magazine, March/April 2002
Used with permission.

Long-lasting perennials are exceptional tools for bringing garden music and floral symphonies into our landscapes. While some of the finest music is performed in grand halls such as Carnegie, the grandest garden music might be found in such places as Kew Gardens. this is because th architects know that the structure and backdrop of the hasll or garden are crucial for enhancing the music.

May is the perfect time to take advantage of the old and new seasonal varieties available for creating the framwork and backdrop of your own perennial music hall.

Spires and columns, delphinium and foxglove offer bold, vertical structures as a backdrop or side flank. Rosemary, Anisodontea and Lavenders are strong foundation plants that serve as anchors for the musical stage either planted together or in specific groupings; the stage is set for the performers.

Just like the sections in an orchestra or a red, white and blue Sousa band, in come the loud and brassy red Verbena, snow white Bacopa and sky blue Nemesia. Fill in the missing low notes with Scabiosa, Arctotis and wispy, delicate Geranium incanum. Don't miss the high notes; high as in hanging baskets for your garden music hall - Calibrachoa for the sunnier locations and a myriad of different Fuchsias for the hummingbirds in the shady spots. With a music hall like this, you know those birds are humming. With a music hall like this, you know those birds are humming.