Independent garden centers, like Perennial Favorites in Rye, stock hardy native perennial plants, but mailorder provides another good option.

Yesterday I heard from a reader who let me know she was having trouble finding the plants I describe on this blog.

She wrote, “I make little notes and carry them with me to the garden centers, but haven’t had luck finding the plants you recommend.”

I had similar problems finding hardy native perennials when I started my Xeriscape in 2001. Fortunately a lot has changed in the green industry over the years and more native plants are available now than ever before.

One way to find natives is to ask at your favorite independent garden center. Retailers will be more willing to stock hardy perennials if they know their customers will buy them. Let your garden center owner or manager know what you’re looking for and ask for help finding it.

The Harison’s Yellow rose is one of the first roses to bloom in my garden each spring.

Ever since I planted a Harison’s Yellow in my garden, I’ve fallen in love with shrub roses.

In addition to their long and rich history, Harison’s Yellow has  many benefits over the modern roses found in gardens today. Just like the settlers who brought them here, these roses are hardy and used to difficult growing conditions.

This shrub blooms only once each year, but the flowers are the first roses to appear in my garden in spring.

Shrub roses grow in any well-drained soil and once established in the garden, they’re drought hardy requiring only 1 inch of water a week during the hottest months of summer.

Because they grow on their own roots, shrub roses also tolerate freezing temperatures during winter. A layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature.