Perennials are a wise choice to create a garden that is both ecological and economical. Indeed, these plants have a longer life span than annuals, which allows you to spend less on plants each year.
In addition, perennials promote biodiversity by attracting a wide variety of pollinating insects and animals useful to the gardener. In this article, we present 10 perennials to integrate into your garden to create a natural and welcoming space for local wildlife.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a popular perennial for sustainable, biodiversity-rich and economical gardens. This hardy plant is easy to grow and can adapt to a wide variety of soil and exposure conditions.
Here are 10 reasons to include Yarrow in your sustainable garden:
- Pollinator Appeal: Yarrow's white or pink flowers attract butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators.
- Disease Resistance: Yarrow is resistant to common plant diseases, which means it requires less maintenance than some other plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Yarrow can survive for extended periods without water, making it ideal for dry gardens or those in arid regions.
- Effective Ground Cover: With its dark green leaves cut into thin strips, this plant forms a dense mat that effectively suppresses weed growth.
- Long blooming season: The flowers of Mulefolium Yarrow appear from early spring to late September/October depending on local temperatures allowing for a long period of visual interest in your garden.
- Ease of propagation: Yarrow can be easily propagated by dividing clumps or sowing seeds, allowing for several plants in the garden quickly.
- Medicinal use: The leaves and flowers of Yarrow have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health problems such as menstrual pain, fever and digestive disorders.
- Aesthetic appeal: In addition to being useful for wildlife and beneficial to human health, Yarrow is also a very decorative plant with its delicate white or pink flowers.
- Culinary versatility: The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable like spinach.
- Plant easy to integrate into a bed*: Yarrow mulefolium fits in well alongside other perennials such as phlox, echinacea and sedum.
Indeed, if you are looking for an easy to grow perennial that offers a multitude of benefits for your sustainable garden while being economical then don't hesitate to plant a few feet of yarrow mulefolium!
Bellflower (Campanula sp.)
The bellflower (Campanula sp.) is a perennial plant belonging to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but is now cultivated in many parts of the world.
This plant is characterized by its bell-shaped flowers, which can be single or double and come in a wide variety of colors: blue, white, pink, purple … The leaves are usually green and oval.
The bellflower is an easy plant to grow and not very demanding in terms of maintenance. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade and thrives in all types of well-drained soil.
In addition to its ornamental beauty, bellflower also has ecological benefits for a sustainable garden. It attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. In addition, it helps maintain a biological balance in the garden by limiting the proliferation of harmful insects thanks to the natural insecticidal properties contained in its leaves.
Finally, planting bellflowers also saves you money in the long run because this perennial plant does not need to be replaced every year like some annuals. So you can enjoy their blooms every year without having to buy new ones!
If you are looking for an easy to grow plant to beautify your garden while contributing to its sustainable and economic development, think of the bellflower!
The perennial geranium (Geranium sp.)
Perennial cranesbill (Geranium sp.) is an herbaceous plant that can be an excellent option for sustainable, biodiversity-rich and economical gardens. This plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Here are 10 reasons why the perennial geranium should be in your sustainable garden:
- The perennial geranium is a hardy plant that can survive harsh winters without a problem.
- This plant produces beautiful, colorful flowers throughout the summer, adding color and life to your garden.
- The perennial geranium attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
- Geranium leaves are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish for certain dishes.
- Geranium has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful medicinal herb in certain situations.
- This plant does not require much water to grow, which saves on daily water use.
- The deep roots of the geranium help prevent soil erosion by keeping the soil structure intact.
- The geranium does not require much space to grow as it thrives in pots or in the border of a flower bed.
- At the end of the season, you can harvest the geranium seeds to sow them again the following year, which will save you money.
- The perennial geranium is a disease and pest resistant plant, which means you won't need to use chemicals to maintain its health.
Ultimately, the perennial geranium is a great option for a sustainable and economical garden. With its pretty, colorful flowers and many ecological benefits, there's no doubt that this plant deserves a place in your outdoor space.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial plant highly appreciated for its fragrance and beauty. It is also very useful in a sustainable, biodiversity-rich and economical garden. Here are 10 reasons to include lavender in your garden:
- Lavender attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which promotes biodiversity.
- This plant is drought resistant and does not require much watering, which reduces water consumption.
- Lavender naturally repels certain insect pests such as mosquitoes and aphids, thus avoiding the use of chemical pesticides.
- It can be used in cooking to flavor dishes or to make relaxing infusions.
- Lavender essential oil has calming and soothing properties, so it can be used in aromatherapy or in the manufacture of natural cosmetics.
- The abundant blooming of lavender offers a beautiful colorful touch to the garden for several months.
- The dried flowers can be used to make scented sachets or to decorate your home with a country style.
- Regular pruning of this plant makes it an excellent ground cover around fruit trees or at the foot of rose bushes to prevent weed growth while conserving soil moisture 9.Lavender is easy to grow and does not require much maintenance, making it an economical plant for your garden.
- All in all, lavender is considered an iconic Mediterranean plant, so it brings a touch of sunshine and exoticism to your garden.
Simply put, lavender is a perfect choice for a sustainable and economical garden while adding a charming touch to your green spaces.
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