Perennials are plants that re-grow in your garden every year. The beauty of growing perennials is that you can learn about the plant the first year it is in your garden, and then plan around it in the following years. Be sure to include your favorite colors and you can try new accent plants every year by planting annuals amid the perennial garden. With this strategy, you can plant perennials, but still have a new and interesting garden year after year.

When you browse through the Favorite Garden Plans below that feature Perennials, you'll notice that we are partial so some combinations, such as Iris with Bracteantha or with Daylilies, because the purple and orange/yellow look great together. Shades of purple go together nicely, so you can use Coleus, Angelonia and Lavender to get a nice effect. Another interesting look combines hot pink Carnations with the cool blue of Plumbago, and don't forget that sweet mix of pinks and yellows. You can get the right look by planting Brachyscome with Santolina or Bracteantha with a light pink Verbena.

And don't forget to mix in your herbs and veggies! Lavender isn't the only plant that is both useful and visually appealing- There are some great veggies that make a colorful splash in your garden. Ornamental Kale and Ornamental Peppers are well-known multi-purpose plants, but you might get a little edgy and try mixing in the bright red of Red Leaf Lettuce to accent your perennial garden.