Perennial Border

Perennial Border

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The Perennial Border, which began in the 1970s as an iris display garden by the Iris Society in Stamford, is 140 feet long and approximately 14 feet wide. In the early 1980s, it started to evolve under the directorship of Ted Lockwood (who served in the position from 1979 to 1987) as tired bulbs were replaced with colorful herbaceous perennials.

Today, it’s packed with more than 100 varieties of plants, paying close attention to natives and a shady/sunny mix depending on where they are situated. The garden attracts pollinators and is a source of nourishment or host for their eggs. It is designated as a Monarch Waystation. The border takes care of itself with only weekly weeding and infrequent watering, as high-maintenance plants are avoided. Meticulous attention is paid to the arrangement of color and texture so that every season offers a different visual tapestry.