Favorite Perennials for Sun and Shade

Learn about growing your favorite perennials and hostas in a zone 4 cold weather climate. Find out which flowers and hosta grow best in this area, planting techniques, winter hardiness, prepping soil and more. 

I'm Judi and I developed this site as a resource for growing perennials and hostas in a zone 4 cold weather climate. As someone who has lived in West Central Wisconsin all of my life, I understand the growing season here and have, through trial and error, over the last 35 years or so, found which plants thrive in this area.

If you have any experience at all in growing flowers in a Northern climate, you may have come to realize that many plants do not do as well here as the seed and flower catalogs would like you to believe. On this site, I go into detailed explanations of which plants work in this area and why many others do not. 

I am a Master Gardener and have been a member of my local garden club since 1975. I have developed extensive flower beds surrounding my home, yard, and dairy farm.

My love for Hostas started a long time ago before I knew anything much about plants. I now have over 200 varieties of hosta growing in these beds along with a great variety of perennials. 

I am frequently developing new flower beds and changing plants around so that the plants grow better and can show off their beautiful blooms. 

The main topics this site covers are: 

• How to grow and plant perennials 

• How to grow and plant hostas 

• How to plan a flower bed 

• Winter Hardiness and why plants winterkill 

• Soil preparation techniques 

• Local Events like plant sales

• Information on local nurseries 

• ...and so much more!

Be sure to sign up for my newsletter: