In addition to its renowned, namesake roses, the Columbus Park of Roses also comprises an extensive Perennial Garden. Located just past the flagpole bed, more than 100 varieties of in this garden offer blooming interest from early spring until late fall. Mid-summer brings about 30 plants in bloom.

The Perennial Garden includes spring and summer bulbs, although they’re not strictly perennials; shrubs which are technically perennials with woody growth; and perennial plants which usually die down to the ground after a hard frost. Perennial plants live at least two years, but most live much longer. For example, daylily, hosta, butterfly weed, coneflower, iris, astilbe and hellebore – all found in our garden – live well beyond 15 years.

Perennials have many advantages. A strong root system, established in the first year, improves the structure of the soil by enabling aeration and allowing water to travel through the soil more efficiently. Perennials also require less maintenance, are cost effective, come in many colors and heights and are easy to propagate by dividing. In fact, some perennials last longer by digging up the root clump, splitting and replanting. Finally, perennials provide ground cover to the flower bed which preserves the moisture in the soil.

Each year, plant breeders develop new perennial cultivars. In our experience, sometimes these cultivars do not perform as well as desired. One way to help choose a well-performing perennial is to look for those that have been designated Perennial Plant of the Year. The Perennial Plant of 2021 is Calamint/Lesser Calamint, Calamintha neptea.

The Perennial Plant of the Year program began in 1990. Members of the Perennial Plant Association vote each summer to determine the winner.  A committee reviews about 400 nominated perennials and selects 3-4 perennials to be on a ballot. The criteria used include:

Suitability for a wide range of climatic conditions

Low-maintenance requirements

Relative pest – and disease – resistance

Ready availability in the year of promotion

Multiple seasons of ornamental interest.

In 1997, The Northview Buckeye Garden Club assumed responsibility for care of the Perennial Garden. Since then, members and non-members have lovingly maintained it. The volunteer group works on Wednesday mornings and welcomes anyone who wishes to care for this lovely garden.