How to plan and plant a herbaceous border

Carefully planned and planted, a herbaceous border will give colour from spring right through to autumn. And if you choose the right plants for your conditions, a border will last for many years. If you carefully consider the design of your border, you will save time, energy and money, and better be able to enjoy your plants season after season. Here are some helpful tips to get started.

To make an impact, a border should be at least 1.5 metres (five feet) deep. Draw a plan before you buy any plants.

• Even if you want a mixed colour scheme, choose a dominant shade or two: pastel lilacs and pinks (good in light shade); hot reds and golds; cool blues and whites; or purples, limes and oranges. Work out how these will link with the seasons and your garden conditions.
• Start with plants that work well together, using them in groups of odd numbers and repeat patterns along the border.
• Spring and autumn bulbs set between perennials will add extra colour.

• Choose a variety of foliage types, colours and textures from deep to pale green — including variegated leaves — and from smooth and shiny to almost furry.
• Make use of grasses with textural foliage and consider including a few edible plants, such as cut-and-come-again lettuces or strawberries, plus chives, fennel and other herbs.

• Put the tallest plants at the back of the border and lower, ground-covering ones towards the front.
• For an island bed, position the tallest plants in the centre.
• To lead your eye along a long border, use architectural plants and splashes of bright colour at intervals.

• Enrich the soil with a balanced fertilizer, such as bone meal, before planting and dig in some well-rotted manure.
• Insert plants to the same depth as they were growing when they were purchased.

Planting a herbaceous border is a great way to ensure your garden has colour from spring to fall. Once established, these dependable plants will thrive with little attention needed.