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Five-Plant Perennial Gardens: 52 Stunning Combinations to Bring Beauty to Every Yard
Selecting perennial plants can be overwhelming – there are hundreds of choices, and it’s difficult to know when your plants will bloom, whether they’ll thrive in sunny or shady spots, and which ones will look well together. In Five-Plant Gardens, Nancy Ondra eliminates the guesswork and the stress, offering 52 garden plans that each use only five plants! These plans are simple, inexpensive, and sure to look beautiful all season long. They are grouped according to whether they grow best in sun, partial shade, or full shade, and each one includes an illustrated planting plan, a shopping list with brief plant descriptions, information on what to expect as the planting matures, and tips on customizing the plan for different sites and climates.
184 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
About the author
Nancy J. Ondra
22 books28 followersI garden at Hayefield in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Now in its 23rd year, Hayefield includes about three acres of managed meadow and one acre of intensively planted garden and open shrubbery areas.
A freelance garden writer, editor, and photographer, I also sell home-grown seeds and blog about my favorite plants, combinations, and other gardening topics at http://hayefield.com/
A freelance garden writer, editor, and photographer, I also sell home-grown seeds and blog about my favorite plants, combinations, and other gardening topics at http://hayefield.com/
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 26, 2025
I first read this book years ago with the thought that this idea would be great for gardeners on a budget like myself. Now years later, my budget has grown but my desire for easy, beautiful gardens remains steady. I picked this up again when browsing the library shelf because I was reminded of the small gardens idea that utilizes some of the same plants throughout various groupings in the yard to bring a cohesive look and feel. While this is not necessarily the idea that this book is encouraging, the general methodology can be adapted and streamlined to suit. Focusing on five core plants would make the process simple to recall what plants you have where, and easy as well as budget-friendly to take plant divisions to create more gardens over time. Of course, my idea relies on the fact that you have the same growing conditions in multiple areas, but one could adapt the idea to include the same core plants in each type of area (sunny/shady, wet/dry, etc.).
So, this past summer, I started to implement this idea to see how I felt about it. I like patterns and symmetry in my flowers so the repeating plants appealed, but I would use five core plants supplemented with other pretty additions, not solely five plants throughout the flower beds in my yard. Also, one benefit I didn't consider going in, is that once you find a tried-and-true plant that works in your yard, it will typically work throughout, or at least it seems to in my yard! Sedums, alliums, and daylilies all do well in my growing condition, so those are three of my core plants. I have tried to bring in others, and they either don't thrive (despite the tag telling me they are ideal for my conditions), do well for a year and then don't come back after the winter, or the plentiful rabbits feast on them.
This approach felt limiting at first, but after spending a few years trying to beautify my yard with varying degrees of success, I see the benefits. The simplification results in less frustration, and lays out a good base that can later be added to with selected plants that meet your goals. All in all, I have found this strategy to be a success, so do consider it if you like a cohesive, uncomplicated aesthetic that brings you the beauty you seek with less frustration, expense, and effort.
So, this past summer, I started to implement this idea to see how I felt about it. I like patterns and symmetry in my flowers so the repeating plants appealed, but I would use five core plants supplemented with other pretty additions, not solely five plants throughout the flower beds in my yard. Also, one benefit I didn't consider going in, is that once you find a tried-and-true plant that works in your yard, it will typically work throughout, or at least it seems to in my yard! Sedums, alliums, and daylilies all do well in my growing condition, so those are three of my core plants. I have tried to bring in others, and they either don't thrive (despite the tag telling me they are ideal for my conditions), do well for a year and then don't come back after the winter, or the plentiful rabbits feast on them.
This approach felt limiting at first, but after spending a few years trying to beautify my yard with varying degrees of success, I see the benefits. The simplification results in less frustration, and lays out a good base that can later be added to with selected plants that meet your goals. All in all, I have found this strategy to be a success, so do consider it if you like a cohesive, uncomplicated aesthetic that brings you the beauty you seek with less frustration, expense, and effort.
May 15, 2023
Best plant book for me, the non gardener by a long shot! My yard looks so nice and is pollinator friendly! So happy!
June 24, 2014
A great resource for anyone starting with a clean-slate area. In the 52 ways there are a variety of sun and shade options, single-colourways, rainbows, fall and winter friendly, rain gardens, salty soil, and many more - pretty much something for every space and aesthetic!
The images of the plants themselves were beautifully done, but each of the 52 ways also includes an illustration of a mature garden and a planting plan - as well as a few alternative options for each plant. The description also details seasonal transitions and even when to clean-up and separate plants!
I'd absolutely suggest this book to my novice gardening friends, and found it quite useful myself as a reference for a larger (with more plants) space.
The images of the plants themselves were beautifully done, but each of the 52 ways also includes an illustration of a mature garden and a planting plan - as well as a few alternative options for each plant. The description also details seasonal transitions and even when to clean-up and separate plants!
I'd absolutely suggest this book to my novice gardening friends, and found it quite useful myself as a reference for a larger (with more plants) space.
August 6, 2013
Written for novice gardeners, or those who are new to planning a garden, this book is an ideal introduction. It has easy-to-follow and informative instructions for both planting and garden maintenance, suitable for anyone but especially suited to beginners. The introduction explains why the five-plant idea, and that these are garden plans designed for minimal maintenance once the plants are established. The book is divided into two sections: full/partial sun and full/partial shade; each contains a variety of plans in different shapes, not just squares or borders. Each garden plan has a theme, whether color, season, or special requirement (heat-tolerance, waterlogged, sloping, borders, for fragrance, for cut flowers, surrounding the house, to attract birds/butterflies/hummingbirds or to deter deer, for coastal/salt-affected areas, for dry shade - a particular problem of mine - and many more).
Each garden plan contains clear and beautiful pictures of the individual plants, and includes sun and soil requirements, zones, suggested quantities, planting instructions and alternate plants for if you're in the wrong zone, can't find the others or just want to mix it up a little. The pages are attractive and eye-catching, highlighting the plants themselves rather than the text (as it should be). Some shapes are simple, but there are more complex designs for multiple plantings while others have variants to allow for steps, pathways, benches, or decorative features.
Each plan shows an overhead outline-style layout (think house plan) and also a representation of how it will look once planted (think architect's colored drawing), making it ideal for someone who can't picture the completed garden from a list, or who wants something that combines height, seasonal variation and texture to look more attractive. For each design, there is also a "Season by Season" description of how this garden will look and what work should be done, and a "Digging Deeper" section with more information, such as the best places to use this particular plan, suggestions for expanding seasonal interest by adding other plants for color or earlier/later blooming, or more detailed explanations about terms such as "deadheading" and "mulching".
I wish the zone map had been at the front of the book rather than the back, as many novice planters will not know which zone they're in, but this did not prevent my thoughtful musings as to which plans I'd like to implement and in which order! I had expected some sort of encouraging conclusion, or perhaps an index of the plants included, but maybe that will be present in the final published version. This is a minor criticism, and it did not detract from my enjoyment of the pages. This is a great reference book, and I wish I'd found it before making costly mistakes on my own!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Each garden plan contains clear and beautiful pictures of the individual plants, and includes sun and soil requirements, zones, suggested quantities, planting instructions and alternate plants for if you're in the wrong zone, can't find the others or just want to mix it up a little. The pages are attractive and eye-catching, highlighting the plants themselves rather than the text (as it should be). Some shapes are simple, but there are more complex designs for multiple plantings while others have variants to allow for steps, pathways, benches, or decorative features.
Each plan shows an overhead outline-style layout (think house plan) and also a representation of how it will look once planted (think architect's colored drawing), making it ideal for someone who can't picture the completed garden from a list, or who wants something that combines height, seasonal variation and texture to look more attractive. For each design, there is also a "Season by Season" description of how this garden will look and what work should be done, and a "Digging Deeper" section with more information, such as the best places to use this particular plan, suggestions for expanding seasonal interest by adding other plants for color or earlier/later blooming, or more detailed explanations about terms such as "deadheading" and "mulching".
I wish the zone map had been at the front of the book rather than the back, as many novice planters will not know which zone they're in, but this did not prevent my thoughtful musings as to which plans I'd like to implement and in which order! I had expected some sort of encouraging conclusion, or perhaps an index of the plants included, but maybe that will be present in the final published version. This is a minor criticism, and it did not detract from my enjoyment of the pages. This is a great reference book, and I wish I'd found it before making costly mistakes on my own!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2021
It was a fantastic first step to prevent over commitment and overwhelm for me as a young woman creating her first outdoor garden. Though I found some of the planting schemes perhaps a bit boring in regards to drama and height. I took some ideas from this book and Derek Fell’s ‘Impressionist Roses’ and ‘The Magic of Monet’s Garden’ to create an informed, effective, and enchanting little plot that was manageable. I created a separate little pollinator garden using native plants varieties rather than the European imports in the book and had tremendous success in both style, xeriscaping, and function for wildlife, which I enjoy interacting with and observing. Absolutely pick up this little gem as the best beginner book for any DIY flower gardening. Or as a branch off point for more experienced gardeners. The dry shade garden was especially useful for under grand oak trees!
April 22, 2023
This book provides a lot of awesome options for garden ideas. I’m intrigued by the planting layouts & substitutions. Due to the quantity of options the author doesn’t go into depth explaining the layout or plant choices, and I have a ton of personal research to do regarding how these plants spread (or if any are successfully invasive) before planting them.
April 17, 2024
This has great information to get started with my garden in the front of my house, however this book is full of plants that are Flowers. I hate flowers. There are some plants that are considered not flowers but they still look like flower or just pure grass. No deal for me.
But I still love the tips they give to getting started and what plants pair with what.
But I still love the tips they give to getting started and what plants pair with what.
May 14, 2017
definitely a book for every gardener's library!
July 12, 2024
I loved all the plant combinations in this book. Many were ones I would not have thought of on my own and I loved how it gave combos for a large variety of sun and soil conditions.
February 20, 2015
Pretty plants that come back year after year? Sign me up! But, can it really be that easy?
Ondra advises to start small ("Admire large gardens but plant small ones"), shop smart (begin with 5" pots- plants will grow and spread), and get in the zone (USDA Plant Hardiness). Her enthusiastic writing is energising and everything is kept simple. The "five plants", however, refers to five types of plants -- sometimes more than one of each kind is required.
The book is divided into two main parts: "Five-Plant Gardens for Full Sun to Partial Shade and "Five-Plant Gardens for Partial to Full Shade". (See * for additional info on the book's structure.)
Pros:
- Simple designs can be tiled and combined to expand your garden over time or to fit around structures (such as a porch or pathways)
Gardens are themed: colours, bloom time, attracting / deterring wildlife, usage (e.g. cuttings, scent)
- Includes plant alternates (named and general e.g. "Another 6- to 12-inch-tall perennial with white flowers, such as wall rock cress..."), so you can substitute as needed and still keep the original garden's look
- Includes a "Season by Season" summary and "Digging Deeper" section for each garden with what to expect, how to care for plants, and how to use the garden
Cons:
- Table of Contents lists garden names without specific page numbers
- Some limitations: Plant care in the long run not addressed ("Many perennials can live for 3 to 5 years with hardly any attention..." what afterwards?), is a "plant-by-numbers guide" doesn't teach principles of design.
Overall thoughts:
This is a well thought out and very pretty book. It hits the right notes with me, a beginner gardener - providing lots of information, sensible advice, and inspiration for more. The "first choice" plants include zone 3 (good for Edmonton) and plenty of advice on how to substitute for those that aren't. The plant photos are particular favourites - especially those in seed in the "For the Birds" and "Winter Wonderful" gardens.
Ondra advises to start small ("Admire large gardens but plant small ones"), shop smart (begin with 5" pots- plants will grow and spread), and get in the zone (USDA Plant Hardiness). Her enthusiastic writing is energising and everything is kept simple. The "five plants", however, refers to five types of plants -- sometimes more than one of each kind is required.
The book is divided into two main parts: "Five-Plant Gardens for Full Sun to Partial Shade and "Five-Plant Gardens for Partial to Full Shade". (See * for additional info on the book's structure.)
Pros:
- Simple designs can be tiled and combined to expand your garden over time or to fit around structures (such as a porch or pathways)
Gardens are themed: colours, bloom time, attracting / deterring wildlife, usage (e.g. cuttings, scent)
- Includes plant alternates (named and general e.g. "Another 6- to 12-inch-tall perennial with white flowers, such as wall rock cress..."), so you can substitute as needed and still keep the original garden's look
- Includes a "Season by Season" summary and "Digging Deeper" section for each garden with what to expect, how to care for plants, and how to use the garden
Cons:
- Table of Contents lists garden names without specific page numbers
- Some limitations: Plant care in the long run not addressed ("Many perennials can live for 3 to 5 years with hardly any attention..." what afterwards?), is a "plant-by-numbers guide" doesn't teach principles of design.
Overall thoughts:
This is a well thought out and very pretty book. It hits the right notes with me, a beginner gardener - providing lots of information, sensible advice, and inspiration for more. The "first choice" plants include zone 3 (good for Edmonton) and plenty of advice on how to substitute for those that aren't. The plant photos are particular favourites - especially those in seed in the "For the Birds" and "Winter Wonderful" gardens.
May 18, 2016
I love the idea...many perennials bed, all just using five plants (different hybrids.) However, let's say one of the plants is the astilbe. MY experience with astilbes re that they look great for about a week. I tried for years in varied light and soil sources to get them to stay secure, and I never could. Constantly lost them. You hit a point with a plant where you say, "It's not worth it" and you let it go. With that said, if three of the five the author has chosen, you've already rejected, you've got no need of the book. I can't see where it would really help a beginning gardener, either, and they are probably most in need of a book like this. Phlox? Gets mildew. Hosta? Deer and slug food. Spiderwort? you'll never get rid of it and be digging it out forever. Same with snowdrops and plumbago. You would really have to think things through to find five solid plants that are trouble free.
July 22, 2016
A very good handbook for planning flower beds. It shows diagrams for sunny, partly sunny, and shade gardens. It shows photos of each plant used. Then there is a paragraph on each plant used in that garden, with all the data about each individual plant.
It also shows a colored diagram of what each garden design will look like. The only thing extra I would have wished for would be an actual photo of each whole garden. The diagrams just seem to show what a real garden with real plants will actually look like as everything grows up.
Additionally, each garden design has a section called "Season by Season" which describes what should happen to the plants in each garden design each season. I find this a very useful part of the book, especially if one is unfamiliar with some of the plants being used.
It also shows a colored diagram of what each garden design will look like. The only thing extra I would have wished for would be an actual photo of each whole garden. The diagrams just seem to show what a real garden with real plants will actually look like as everything grows up.
Additionally, each garden design has a section called "Season by Season" which describes what should happen to the plants in each garden design each season. I find this a very useful part of the book, especially if one is unfamiliar with some of the plants being used.
May 24, 2014
This book IMMEDIATELY went into my Amazon cart after I finished it. I can't believe they only want $3 for the kindle edition (although I am getting the print version).
This book provided 52 garden plans for a plant garden using 5 different plants for each garden. These weren't your run of the mill plants either. They include plans for shade areas, full sun areas, the 4 seasons. It was AMAZING. I simply couldn't believe how wonderful this book was.
I would say the only criticism I would have is that it I wish the author would have used real photographs of the gardens vs. artistic renderings.
This book provided 52 garden plans for a plant garden using 5 different plants for each garden. These weren't your run of the mill plants either. They include plans for shade areas, full sun areas, the 4 seasons. It was AMAZING. I simply couldn't believe how wonderful this book was.
I would say the only criticism I would have is that it I wish the author would have used real photographs of the gardens vs. artistic renderings.
October 2, 2014
As a non-green-thumb, non-gardener, non-landscaper, I was thrilled to find this book. The simplicity of just five plants, along with the sample landscape suggestions is just what my husband and I need as we plan our backyard garden for next year. We had our front yardscape professionally done, but wanted to do the back ourselves to save mucho dollars. This book is going to be a HUGE help! (And we love the idea of perennials, which once planted, just keep coming back year after year!)
June 17, 2014
Nancy J. Ondra is a superstar in landscaping and I already have one of her books which is in my top ten. This one....not so much because I was not that impressed with the line drawings. I suspect that I needed to see the plants growing side by side for the book to really wow me. But nevertheless, some really good ideas that I may be using in the garden.
May 7, 2014
This is the best simple garden planning book I've read. Great illustrations, easy plans for any area of your yard, clear ideas for every kind of garden you can think of and all with only five plants per area.
July 21, 2014
Well thought out and beautifully organized. I was trying to find shade happy perennials and this book was a big help. The images are wonderful. I would have liked more info on where the plants are native to.
September 3, 2014
Clear and SIMPLE! Tells you what to plant, how to plant it, and how to maintain the garden. MANAGEABLE!
Best surprises: Use of native plants, bird seed garden, and one with plants that continue to look good through the winter even though they are DEAD! Now, how can you top that?!! :) Excellent.
Best surprises: Use of native plants, bird seed garden, and one with plants that continue to look good through the winter even though they are DEAD! Now, how can you top that?!! :) Excellent.
October 25, 2014
absolutely loved it. Should become a new classic in how to plan your garden. Shows ways to organize plants for shade and sun, and then divides them into colors, salty soil, slopes, anti-deer, suggestions on which colors to choose based on house color, alternate plants, etc. Wonderful!
April 22, 2014
Useful, pretty, and inspiring in that five plants sounds very doable. I particularly like the design by color and sun format.
May 22, 2014
Very well laied out. A great idea generator.
August 31, 2014
Interesting concept, but I wasn't very excited about the plans, and I know some of these plants, and have serious doubts about them staying in the neat mounds the author illustrates.
November 8, 2015
I skimmed through it here and there for some ideas. I liked the different types of gardens she presented and the various plants used. Definitely will grab this when it comes time to plant again.
January 27, 2016
lots of really simple plans with suggestions for swap outs. I have a plan.
March 18, 2023
If I was still actively gardening, I would buy this book. Really interesting, lots of information.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews