Perennials and bulbs are essential garden anchors—they return year after year and bring seasonal beauty with minimal effort. With interest in sustainable, low-maintenance gardening growing—helped by more backyard time—this guide helps both new and experienced gardeners thrive. Home Gardener’s Perennials & Bulbs by Miranda Smith (Creative Homeowner series, March 2018) gives you step-by-step advice for growing 58 flowering plants in your yard—no complicated jargon or green-thumb required. Whether you have a sprawling yard or just a patio box, this 96-page manual covers soil prep, planting, fertilizing, and pest control, all supported by hundreds of full-color photos to inspire success. It’s the perfect comeback to the April planting season or fall landscaping refresh!
Seven Standout Plants to Grow
Here are seven favorites—easy to grow, visually striking, and beginner-friendly:
1. Daffodils (Narcissus)
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Plant Time: Fall
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Why Grow: Spring cheer with bright blooms, and deer-resistant!
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Tip: Plant in clusters of 10+ bulbs for a striking spring show.
2. Tulips (Tulipa)
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Plant Time: Fall
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Why Grow: Endless color and flower shapes
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Tip: Choose varieties labeled "long-lasting" for repeat blooms
3. Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
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Plant Time: Spring or fall
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Why Grow: Low-care plants with colorful blooms that thrive in sun or shade
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Tip: Divide every 3–5 years for rejuvenated clumps
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
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Plant Time: Spring
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Why Grow: Long summer blooms and pollinator magnets
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Tip: Deadhead spent flowers to promote rebloom
5. Hostas
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Plant Time: Spring
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Why Grow: Shade garden staple, beautiful foliage
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Tip: Use slug bait or traps—hostas love slugs too!
6. Alliums
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Plant Time: Fall
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Why Grow: Architectural globe flowers adding height and drama
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Tip: Plant deep (2–3× bulb diameter) for sturdiness in wind
7. Lilies (Lilium)
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Plant Time: Spring or Fall
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Why Grow: Tall blossoms in pinks, whites, oranges—great for cut flowers
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Tip: Stake stems to prevent flopping in wind and rain
Each plant profile in the book covers planting depth, light needs, bloom time, and seasonal care for best success.
Gardening Season Tips from Miranda
| Tip | Why it Helps |
|---|---|
| Test & improve soil | Add compost or peat moss for drainage and nutrients support |
| Plant properly | Use "top-size" bulbs and plant the crown/head just above soil |
| Water right | Deep watering during drought helps build strong roots |
| Fertilize smart | Apply bulb-specific or slow-release fertilizers in spring |
| Cut back smartly | Leave foliage until yellow—it feeds the bulb for next year |
| Watch for pests | Mesh cages protect bulbs from squirrels; slug traps protect hostas |
Reader Hacks & Garden Inspo
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🌱 Create seasonal waves: Combine early tulips & daffodils with summer coneflowers & fall lilies for floral interest all year.
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🎍 Grow in containers: Use bulbs and perennials in pots to brighten patios; move pots for light as seasons shift.
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🌷 Naturalize bulb groups: Let flowers multiply and migrate into surrounding grass for wildflower-style beds.
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🌾 Save seeds & bulbs: The book explains how to store bulbs and collect seeds for easy garden renewal.
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📅 Annual garden plan: Track bloom dates and plant habits in a garden journal using guide charts to refine yearly beds.
Ready to Grow Garden Magic?
Bring your garden to life!
Order Home Gardener’s Perennials & Bulbs by Miranda Smith and discover how easy it is to enjoy vibrant blooms year after year.
[Buy now on FoxChapelPublishing.com – FREE U.S. shipping on orders over $35!]
