Garden Playbook

Module 1: Plant Sets

Advances in plant breeding have introduced new complexities for gardeners:

  • Perennials That Act Like Annuals: Many modern perennials boast longer bloom periods but lack the resilience of traditional varieties, often requiring more maintenance and having shorter lifespans. For instance, Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ offers vibrant colours but typically lasts only a few years compared to species Echinacea purpurea (and cannot be divided due to patent restrictions).

  • Sterile or Pollinator-Insensitive Plants: Double blooms and sterile hybrids may look impressive but provide little to no value for pollinators. An example is Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’, which offers stunning flowers but limited nectar for bees and butterflies.

  • Challenges in Propagation: Some plants are bred to be sterile or have propagation restrictions, limiting options for gardeners who prefer to grow their own. While hybrids like certain delphiniums offer aesthetic traits, they may not be as easily propagated as traditional species.

This new complexity can make it difficult for gardeners to navigate plant selection and design choices. That’s where the Plant Sets Framework comes in—a clear, practical guide to help you build an enduring garden while making informed decisions about what you plant and why.

Foundation, Core, Select and Foliage

Our model starts with four Plant Sets, each designed to play a unique role in your garden. By layering these sets, you’ll create a rich garden design, but if ease and predictability are what you’re after stick to Foundation plants. Core plants are more seasonal, and think of Select Plants as pure decor. Our gardens have a mix - but navigate the sets to suit your preferences.

We’ve curated 150 plants, suited to Zones 3–8, and categorized them using this model to make choosing the right plants simple.

Foundation Set
This is where your garden begins. These are the dependable, long-blooming plants that require minimal maintenance while providing consistent color and structure throughout the season. They’re not patented or sterile, making them easy to propagate and invaluable for supporting pollinators. Think of these as the backbone of your garden.

Examples: Yarrow ‘Moonshine’, Coneflower ‘Magnus’, Russian Sage.

Core Set
These plants are the supporting cast that enhance the overall beauty of your garden. With shorter bloom times but equally low maintenance, they’re perfect for complementing Foundation plants and adding seasonal interest.

While some patented plants may be included, they are selected only if they retain essential qualities like pollinator support, resilience, and strong garden performance, even if they can’t be propagated.

Examples: Barrenwort ‘Lilafee’, Bleeding Heart ‘Cupid’, Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’.

Select Set
Use these plants sparingly to create focal points and memorable moments in your design. These high-impact plants bring drama and personality to your garden.

While they may need more care, are sterile, patented, or have shorter bloom times, their striking beauty makes them a worthwhile guilty pleasure.

Examples: Hollyhock ‘Las Vegas’, Delphinium ‘Red Lark’, Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’.

Foliage Set
These plants tie everything together, ensuring your garden looks beautiful even when flowers aren’t in bloom. The Foliage Set includes grasses, ferns, and leafy perennials that add structure, texture, and year-round interest to your space.

Examples: Karl Foerster Reed Grass, Lady Fern ‘Godzilla’, Big Bluestem ‘Blackhawk’.

2. Why This Framework Works

  • Simplifies Selection:

    • Focus on choosing plants that fit a purpose rather than feeling overwhelmed by options.

  • Encourages Layering:

    • Build a garden with depth by combining plants from different sets.

  • Supports Pollinators:

    • Foundation and Core plants provide consistent nectar and habitat.

  • Reduces Maintenance:

    • By prioritizing plants suited to your conditions, upkeep becomes easier.

3. Practical Application

For Beginners:

  • Start with Foundation plants in 3–5 drifts of 5–10 plants each for a cohesive, low-maintenance garden.

  • Example: Yarrow ‘Moonshine’, Blanket Flower ‘Arizona Sun’, Russian Sage.

For Established Gardens:

  • Use Core plants to fill gaps or enhance existing beds.

  • Example: Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’, Columbine ‘Early Bird Blue and White’, Barrenwort ‘Lilafee’.

For Bold Statements:

  • Add Select plants as focal points or accents.

  • Example: Delphinium ‘Red Lark’, Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, Hollyhock ‘Las Vegas’.

At-a-Glance Labels

To accompany to our plant sets we created our own At-a-Glance Labels. Each plant comes with a clear, concise label that highlights its Plant Set, size, bloom time, and colour. Whether you’re browsing online or visiting in person, our labels can help you quickly identify plants that fit your garden goals and style.

Bringing It All Together

Our Plant Sets and At-a-Glance Labels make it simple to create a garden that’s beautiful, balanced, and built to last. Whether you’re starting fresh or adding to an existing space, this approach helps you make confident choices and grow a garden that thrives year after year.

Check out our Plants.

2025 pre-orders are now open. We are a small family farm so get your orders in to avoid disappointment.