Tips and tricks| Annuals and Perennials
Welcome to the “I Kill Everything” Collection, specifically curated for the unique challenges of Connecticut weather—from our humid, sticky summers to the “false springs” and deep-freeze winters.
These plants are the survivalists of the garden world. They are drought-tolerant, cold-hardy (Zones 6–7), and generally thrive on the kind of neglect that would make a rose bush faint.
☀️ The Sun-Lovers (6+ Hours of Sun)
Perfect for that baking-hot spot by the driveway or the middle of the yard.
☁️ The Shade-Seekers (Less than 4 Hours of Sun)
For the spots under the big oak trees or the side of the house that never sees the sun.
• Hostas: The undisputed kings of the “set it and forget it” garden. They come in massive sizes and various colors. Warning: Deer love these like a salad bar, so skip if you have a high deer population.
• Coral Bells (Heuchera): These are grown for their foliage (purple, lime green, or silver). They handle the CT dampness well and stay colorful even when not “blooming.”
• Bleeding Hearts: A spring classic. They look delicate but are incredibly cold-hardy. They “go to sleep” (go dormant) in the heat of summer, so don’t panic when they disappear in July—they aren’t dead, just napping.
🦌 The “Deer-Proof” Special
If your yard is basically a buffet for local wildlife, plant these.
• Daffodils: Unlike Tulips (which deer eat like candy), Daffodil bulbs are toxic to critters. Plant them once in the fall, and they will multiply and return every spring for decades.
• Peonies: These plants can live for 50+ years. They are remarkably tough, and deer generally find them unappetizing.
• Russian Sage: Smells like herbal heaven to humans, but the scent is a major “keep away” signal for deer and rabbits.
💡 Pro-Tips for the “Black Thumb” Gardener
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The “One Week” Rule: Even “unkillable” plants need water for the first 1-2 weeks after you put them in the ground to settle their roots. After that, let nature take over.
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Mulch is Magic: Put 2-3 inches of wood mulch around them. It smothers weeds (so you don’t have to pull them) and keeps moisture in the ground.
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Check Your Zone: Most of CT is Zone 6b or 7a. When buying at a big-box store, double-check the tag to ensure it says “Perennial” (comes back every year) rather than “Annual” (dies in the first frost).
