Designing a Terraced Perennial Garden on a Sloped Farmstead

A gardener on a former farm with stone walls and multi-level beds (7 terraces) has hibiscus and coneflowers thriving. Wants plant suggestions for remaining levels and pruning advice.

First: Wait for Spring Bulbs

Before planting more, wait one spring to see what bulbs (crocus, daffodils, tulips) emerge. Mark them with metal tags to avoid slicing during future planting.

Plant Palette for Terraces (Low Maintenance, Erosion Control)

• Creepers for edges: Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata), Creeping thyme, Sedum spurium.
• Mid-height drifts: Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Garden Phlox, Shasta Daisy, Russian Sage, Catmint (Nepeta).
• Foliage accents: Artemisia 'Powis Castle', Lamb's Ear, Heuchera.
• Structural elements: Dwarf evergreens (Bird's Nest Spruce, Dwarf Mugo Pine), Ornamental grasses (Calamagrostis, Panicum), Flowering shrubs (Hydrangea, Spirea, Weigela).
• Garden art: Birdbaths, trellises, pots, statuary.

Pruning Hibiscus & Coneflowers

• Hardy Hibiscus: Cut to 6 inches above ground in late fall or early spring.
• Coneflowers & most perennials: Cut to 3-4 inches in late fall or early spring.

Sources

White Flower Farm, Shady Oaks Nursery, Walters Gardens, Jackson & Perkins, Klehm's Song Sparrow Farm, Van Bourgondien, Van Dyck's, Brent & Becky's Bulbs, Plants by Mail, Gardener's Supply, Bluestone Perennials, Shepherd's Seeds.

Enjoy the journey—gardens evolve over years.