The Honest Guide to Perennials: From Old Truths to New Realities, (Paperback)

Five years ago, I planted 15,000 perennials expecting a lush, lasting garden. Some thrived, many faded, and a few disappeared entirely. What I discovered is that not all "perennials" are created equal - and that the path to a truly resilient, beautiful garden isn't obvious.

This 200-page guide shares what I learned, so you can choose plants with clarity and confidence.

Inside, you'll find:

• Why some perennials thrive for decades while others vanish after a season.

• Plant Sets - Workhorses, Staples, and Divas - a simple system for balancing reliability with beauty.

• Garden Presence - four phases of impact that matter just as much as bloom time.

• A curated palette of 80 plants I came to trust after years of trial, plus how to build your own.

• Common myths debunked - and permission to push past the usual "rules."

• A glossary of garden terms explained in plain language.

Whether you're planting your first bed or refining a mature landscape, The Honest Perennial Guide gives you the perspective to choose plants that last - and the confidence to create a garden you'll love for years to come.