🌱 Annual vs. Perennial: The Common Planting Mistake That’s Costing Gardeners Time, Money, and Growth
By Darrell Smith – Owner of DH Garden Centre & DH Landscape Solution, Kitsilano, Vancouver
Have You Ever Fallen in Love With a Plant… Only to Watch It Disappear?
It happens more often than you’d think.
A customer walks into DH Garden Centre with stars in their eyes. They’ve just picked out a gorgeous plant—vibrant blooms, lush green leaves, the perfect pop of life for their patio or garden bed.
They bring it home, nurture it, enjoy it through the season.
But then? Next spring—nothing.
The plant is gone.
What happened?
No, it wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t a bad plant. You didn’t “mess up.”
It’s a mistake I see every week: not knowing the difference between annuals and perennials.
And trust me—it’s a small misunderstanding with big consequences.
🌼 What Are Annuals?
Annuals are the showstoppers of the plant world.
They live fast and bloom hard. From the moment you plant them in spring, they shoot up with energy, giving you a garden full of colour and drama.
But here’s the deal: annuals only live for one season.
Once the cold hits or they’ve completed their natural cycle, they’re done.
Examples of popular annuals:
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Petunias
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Marigolds
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Impatiens
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Zinnias
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Geraniums (in most Canadian climates)
Perfect for:
✅ Balcony planters and hanging baskets
✅ Quick colour in new garden beds
✅ Events or one-season landscaping
But…
If you’re hoping for them to come back next year—they won’t.
You’ll be rebuying, replanting, and restarting every season.
🌿 What Are Perennials?
Perennials are the quiet heroes.
They may not bloom instantly like annuals, but they’re in it for the long game. Once planted, they come back year after year—often growing stronger, fuller, and more beautiful with time.
In Vancouver’s mild coastal climate, many perennials thrive with minimal effort.
Examples of reliable perennials:
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Lavender
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Hostas
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Coneflowers (Echinacea)
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Black-eyed Susans
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Sedum
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Ferns
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Peonies
Perfect for:
✅ Building a low-maintenance garden
✅ Long-term savings
✅ Creating structure and continuity in your landscape
But remember: perennials need patience.
You might only get modest blooms in year one. But give them time—they’re worth it.
🌱 Why This Mix-Up Matters
Here’s where things get tricky.
Many gardeners assume that if something looks lush and expensive, it must be a long-term plant. Unfortunately, that’s not always true—many of the brightest blooms in a garden centre are annuals.
If you fill your entire garden bed with annuals expecting them to return, you’ll be disappointed… and probably a little heartbroken (not to mention out of pocket).
On the flip side, planting all perennials might leave you with a garden that feels flat or too subtle—especially in year one.
That’s why understanding the balance between annuals and perennials is key to smart, sustainable gardening.
💡 Darrell’s Tip: Plant With Purpose
After 25 years of landscaping across Vancouver and running a family-owned garden centre, here’s my best advice:
Think of your garden like a financial plan.
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Perennials are your investments.
They grow steadily over time and give back more every year. -
Annuals are like spending on fun.
They bring instant joy—but they’re not going to build long-term value.
So the trick? Mix both.
Use annuals to inject bursts of seasonal colour, especially in planters, edges, or spots that need quick impact.
Fill your beds and core landscape with strong, local-friendly perennials that build a thriving foundation.
🌿 Want Help Choosing the Right Plants?
At DH Garden Centre in Kitsilano, we take the time to understand your garden goals. Whether you want a fuss-free yard, a bee-friendly pollinator bed, or a colourful patio jungle—we’ll show you exactly what plants will meet your needs this season and for years to come.
Better yet, we’ll guide you on how to care for each one—without needing a horticulture degree.
You deserve a garden that grows with you.
Let’s stop replanting the same story every year—and start planting with wisdom.
📍 Visit Us
DH Garden Centre Ltd.
3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6R 2G4
📞 604-929-7335
🌐 dhgardencentre.com
💬 Want to chat plants?
DM us on Instagram @dh.garden.centre or drop by the shop—we’re always happy to help.
