One popular trend for 2005 is the combining of specialty annuals with perennials in mixed borders.
Here at the Heritage Home and Garden Salpiglossis sinuata (painted tongue), another classic plant that was a favourite of the Victorians, is combined with salvia The salvia is a recently introduced variety Salvia verticillata ‘Purple Rain'(?) The use of improved varieties of old fashioned classic plants is another trend that is growing strong for 2005.
While the above is using a muted pallet, at the Horticulture Center of the Pacific Hardy Border a more vibrant colour scheme has been created. The tender perennial grass Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum' or Purple Fountain Grass can be treated as an annual in those areas where it is not hardy. Here it is combined with the deep burgundy of pansies and the hot pinks and corals of salipglosis. The yellow button flowers in the foreground are from one of the santolina family members, a perennial, while the soft grey spikes of ballota (a perennial in Victoria ,. The setting for this planting is under a golden locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia').
The 4 Season Garden has created a combination that exemplifies the spirited colours trend . Combining Tanacetum parthenium aureum “Golden Feverfew” with Cerinthe major 'purpurascens'. The cerinthe is a half-hardy annual from the Mediterranean has blue-green, fleshy leaves that seem to have a metallic shine setting off purple pink flowers. This annual is easy to start from seeds and tends to self-seed (as does the Golden Feverfew) in the milder Victoria gardens. The shape has contributed it to be called the Blue Shrimp Plant while its production of nectar (It is a favourite for the humming birds and honey bees!) has led it to be called Blue Honeywort. This is another great plant for a sunny container!