Spring has that restless energy. The kind that makes you stare at bare beds and imagine wild color, climbing vines, buzzing bees, and blooms so big they practically show off. But here’s the secret every seasoned gardener knows: summer gardens aren’t built in summer. They’re planted now.
And if you want that “how-do-you-get-it-to-look-like-that?” effect by July? Spring is your golden window.
Why perennials are your long game
Perennials don’t just show up once and ghost your yard. They’re loyal. Rooted. A little slow to start, maybe, but by the second season, they come back stronger—deeper roots, fuller foliage, more blooms with less fuss.
Plant them in spring, and they’ll spend the next few months digging in, building a foundation, and—if you choose wisely—putting on a full show just in time for summer.
So, who are the early MVPs of your summer color story?
- Salvia (Perennial Sage)
A pollinator magnet with spikes of indigo, magenta, or violet. Cut it back after its first flush and it’ll bloom again. Heat-tolerant and deer-resistant, because it has priorities.
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
The laid-back superstar of any sunny bed. Strong stems, daisy-like heads, and the kind of resilience that laughs at drought. Bonus: goldfinches love the seed heads.
- Shasta Daisy
Classic white petals with sunny yellow centers. They look delicate but hold their own in heat and sun. Let them go wild, or rein them in with a quick midseason haircut.
- Russian Sage
Technically a woody perennial, this silvery, airy cloud of lavender-blue blooms doesn’t need rich soil to thrive. In fact, it prefers to be a little neglected.
- Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Don’t let the name fool you—these golden, buttery flowers add lightness to any border. They’ll bloom like they’re on a mission from early summer into fall.
How to plant for drama, not chaos
It’s not just what you plant—it’s how. Mix heights. Pair airy with dense. Add movement with tall spires and ground-hugging drifts. And give your eye places to rest: not every bloom needs to shout.
Perennials play the long game. They want space. Sun. Time to root deep. They don’t need pampering—but they do need patience.
A few tips for planting with intention:
- Water deeply after planting, then ease off to encourage strong roots.
- Mulch to hold moisture and block weeds—but don’t smother the crown.
- Group plants with similar needs—sun-lovers with sun-lovers, drought-tolerant with their kind.
- Deadhead selectively to extend bloom time and tidy things up.
- Let some go to seed if you want volunteers next year.
Summer gardens begin before the heat arrives
By the time the temperature soars and your neighbors are scrambling for quick fixes, your perennials will be stretching tall, unfolding petals, and soaking up the applause.
Plant once, plan smart, and let nature do the heavy lifting. Because when you start in spring, your summer garden doesn’t just show up— It owns the season.
