Perennials might not bloom all summer, but they offer many advantages over annuals. A few gardeners -- usually new to the avocation -- will complain that perennial flowering plants have such a short seasonal window for blooming that they're not worth the effort or expense. But seasoned gardeners know differently. Sure, annuals might be crazy bloomers all summer, but they don't come close to the array of benefits that perennial flowering plants bring to the gardening experience.

Certainly, there's a strategy that goes with planting perennials. Since most do not bloom throughout the growing season, gardeners will often plan their plots around the blooming timetables of various species. The secret is to plant a wide variety of plants so that different flowers will appear at different times. This creates a garden that conjures a spectrum of different moods as the season develops.

Another advantage to perennials is that once you get them well established and happy in their living space, they will come back year after year, returning like old friends.

It's true, though, perennials require a certain mindfulness. That is, you need to remember where they've been planted since many die back completely as winter approaches. For this reason, experienced perennial gardeners keep a garden diary or garden map.