Question
I have a new raised flower bed approximately 30 ft by 4 ft, I live in the seattle washington area and the bed will get a lot of direct sun light. We were thinking of putting in a couple of layers of perrenials, we would like them to be colorfull. we were thinking of one row about 2 to 3 feet in the back and smaller in the front. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Greg,
Thanx for your question.  Here are some suggestions for your perennial flower bed.

Abutilon, eryngium (sea holly), nepeta, agapanthus (lily of the Nile), bergenia, echinacea (coneflowers), cimicifuga (or Actea), Dietes (African iris), rosemary, dianthus, peonies, frikart aster, Acanthus spinosus, Aster thomsonii 'Nanus', hardy Fuchsia, muscaris, daffodils, pulmonaria, hostas, dahlias, tulips, iris, oriental lilies, Asian lilies, bleeding heart (dicentra), heuchera (coral bells), tiarella, brunera, heaths, heathers, Osteospermum, lewisia, iberis, roses, astilbe.  

I put in tulips, daffodils, muscari, etc. (spring bulbs) because I like the early bloomers in my beds.  Augment color with rich greens such as ferns, hostas and other foliage plants. Roses, rhododendron, azaleas, make for good color in shrub-form and are easy to keep neat.  Don't forget hydrangeas too.  I hope this helps.
Tom


http://king.wsu.edu/gardening/