Where to get these plants
There is no single source for all of these, and some plants on this list will be easier to find than others. Some may not be available until early spring, but be patient, because these cultivated varieties are worth seeking out.
The cost of multiple perennial plants can add up. There are ways to handle this:
• Tackle single, manageable areas of the garden once or twice a year. Don't seek to transform the whole garden overnight.
• Do the work yourself, including lawn reduction, bed clearing and soil preparation in advance of planting.
• Buy the smallest sizes you can find, but make sure you space plants for their eventual girth, even if the planting looks thin for a year. Most perennials reach a mature size in three years. Weed regularly between growing plants.
• Look for end-of-season plant sales.
• Driving to a distant nursery can save on shipping costs and can make for a pleasant day trip.
• Native plant societies hold periodic sales with good prices on perennials, sedges and grasses.
