The Plants We Forgot to Grow: Rediscovering Classic Perennials for Calgary Gardens

Close-up of Astrantia (Astrantia major) flowers, featuring intricate white, star-shaped blooms, a classic perennial for Calgary gardens.

Inspired by an old chrysanthemum book, this is the beginning of a journey to rediscover the timeless plants that once filled our gardens.

Gardening trends are always changing. Every year, exciting new plants arrive at garden centres while older favourites quietly disappear from the shelves. But just because a plant isn't trendy anymore doesn't mean it isn't worth growing.

Recently, while flipping through an old gardening book on chrysanthemums that belonged to my grandad, I started thinking about all the wonderful plants that have slowly faded from our gardens. Many of these perennials weren't grown because they were fashionable; they were grown because they were dependable. They survived Alberta's unpredictable weather, faithfully returned each spring, supported wildlife, and filled gardens with colour year after year.

That old book inspired me to begin a new series here at Blooming Bee Gardening:

🌿 The Plants We Forgot to Grow

Over the coming months, we'll rediscover classic perennials that deserve another chance in modern Calgary gardens. Some are cottage garden favourites, others are woodland treasures, and a few were once found in almost every perennial border.

Together, we'll explore their history, how to grow them successfully in Calgary, their value to pollinators, and why many of them quietly disappeared from today's landscapes.

Why Rediscover Forgotten Perennials?

Many of these plants offer qualities gardeners are searching for today:

• Long-lived and dependable

• Beautiful year after year

• Adapted to Alberta's climate

• Lower maintenance once established

• Excellent additions to sustainable landscapes

• Rich in gardening history and character

Sometimes the best "new" plant for your garden is one that's been waiting patiently for decades.

Coming Soon in This Series

Here's a glimpse of the plants we'll be exploring together.

Sunny Garden Classics

• Astrantia (Astrantia major)

• Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)

• Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

• Gas Plant (Dictamnus albus)

• Hardy Chrysanthemums

• Maltese Cross (Lychnis chalcedonica)

• Sea Holly (Eryngium spp.)

• Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

• 
  

Shade & Woodland Favourites

• Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.)

• Leopard's Bane (Doronicum spp.)

• Globeflower (Trollius europaeus)

• 
  

Each article will take an in-depth look at one plant, including:

• Growing conditions for Calgary gardens

• Sun and soil requirements

• Water needs

• Hardiness

• Pollinator value

• Companion planting ideas

• Common problems

• Landscape design inspiration

• Interesting history and fun facts

• Whether it's a good fit for today's sustainable gardens

  
  

A Note About Pollinators

Many of the classic perennials featured in this series provide valuable quick nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. However, native plants remain the best choice for supporting Alberta's native pollinators and local ecosystems.

Native species have evolved alongside our local wildlife for thousands of years, providing not only food for adult pollinators but also the host plants and habitat that many native insects need to complete their life cycles.

At Blooming Bee Gardening, we believe the healthiest gardens include a thoughtful balance of native plants alongside well-behaved, non-invasive ornamental favourites. Together, they create landscapes that are beautiful, resilient, and full of life.

Which Plant Should We Explore First?

I'd love your help deciding where this journey begins.

Would you like to learn more about:

• Astrantia

• Queen of the Prairie

• Gas Plant

• Hardy Chrysanthemums

• Sea Holly

• Globeflower

• Or another forgotten favourite from your own garden?

  
  

Leave a comment below and let me know. You might even inspire a future article.

This is only the beginning, and I can't wait to rediscover these remarkable plants with you.

Blooming Bee Gardening Inc. specializes in sustainable garden maintenance, perennial gardens, pollinator-friendly landscaping, native plant design, and beautiful outdoor spaces throughout Calgary and the surrounding communities.