In the field of gardening, new trends are constantly appearing and evolving. Among them, the movement of new perennial plants (also called “perennials”) is gaining more and more momentum and is becoming an essential phenomenon for greenery enthusiasts and landscaping professionals. But what is this trend and how does it manifest itself?
Perennials: A New Take on Perennial Plants
First of all, it is necessary to define what a perennial plant is. It is a species capable of living for several years and resisting seasonal climate variations. These plants therefore have the particularity of flowering again each year, without it being necessary to replant them or carry out specific care.
In the context of the new perennials movement, the idea is to rediscover these plant species by leveraging their amazing capabilities through creative, innovative projects, sometimes even having an artistic aspect. Professionals such as landscape architects, as well as nature and gardening enthusiasts, do not hesitate to experiment with original and daring floral arrangements to showcase these perennials.
Garden design rethought thanks to perennials
One of the main demonstrations of the new perennial plants movement is the proliferation of ideas and projects in terms of garden design. This trend encourages the imagining of more sustainable, ecological and aesthetically attractive green spaces all year round. Landscape architects are thus encouraged to rethink their designs to highlight these remarkable plants.
Harmonious plant associations
Working with plant associations is a fundamental aspect of the new perennials movement. The challenge is to create combinations that both meet aesthetic criteria, for example, by playing with contrasts in colors, textures or shapes, and functional ones, by taking into account the specific needs of each plant (exposure, drainage, etc.). In this respect, it is possible to use clever mixes of old and new varieties to create an original and personalized garden.
A bloom spread over several seasons
Another interesting aspect in garden design with perennial plants concerns bloom management. By selecting different species whose flowering periods extend successively over several seasons, it is possible to ensure a permanent vitality and a succession of colorful displays throughout the year in the garden. This also allows, at the same time, to attract and retain a varied fauna around the garden (birds, insects…).
Artistic initiatives with the perennials
Beyond the traditional design of residential gardens, the movement of new perennial plants also invites itself into the field of art. Many exhibitions, ephemeral installations or large-scale landscape projects are thus carried out worldwide to highlight these plants.
Spectacular floral arrangements
Thus, we can cite several examples of impressive artistic installations honoring perennials and demonstrating their aesthetic and ecological potential. These may include, for example, outdoor hanging gardens, monumental compositions blending various plant species, or even vegetal murals illustrating a bucolic landscape, inviting escape.
The integration of perennials in urban architecture
Finally, it is worth noting that the movement of new perennial plants is not limited to the fields of artistic creation and private gardening: it also concerns the development of public spaces. Architects, in fact, are increasingly integrating these plants into their projects, whether it’s to rehabilitate neglected spaces or to design new sustainable and aesthetic urban landscapes.
In summary, the movement of new perennial plants is a veritable phenomenon that is shaking up the traditional codes of gardening and green space development. This trend highlights resistant species adapted to different environments, and thus encourages the development of ecological and aesthetically attractive gardens. From the simple enthusiast to the landscaping professional, everyone is invited to adopt this innovative approach to conceive new, bold and original floral creations.