It’s that time of year. Gone are the gray skies and cold days. If you haven’t already started to redo your garden beds, don’t worry it’s not too late! Many beginning gardeners want to get the most bang for their buck. If this is the case, perennials are a great option because you won’t have to replant them every year.

However, if you are after constant color, master gardeners suggest you consider planting a mix of annuals and perennials. The perennials can be the backbone of the garden, and you can fill in around them, especially the first couple of years as the perennials get established with annuals.

Many perennials do have a long season of bloom or repeat cycles of bloom. Some to consider for your sunny garden are red valerian (Centranthus ruber), Jolly Bee geranium (Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’), reblooming daylilies (Hemerocallis ‘Miss Mary Mary’, ‘Stella de’ Oro’, and ‘Happy Returns’), false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), Coronation Gold yarrow (Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), sedum (Sedum ‘Matrona’ or ‘Brilliant’), Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), and catmint (Nepeta Yfaassenii).

Also, experts recommend mixing in a few crocus, daffodil, and tulip bulbs for spring interest. After the bulbs fade, the perennials will take over and provide color. Also, include foliage plants that look good all year long without flowering. Artemisia absinthium ‘Lambrook Silver’ is one. Your garden will look amazing!