I’m told that salvia is planted at every gas station. That it is basically the bane of the plant world. That the gardener planting salvia doesn’t deserve to be called a gardener. No creativity. Boring. Expected.
Ah…but every plant has a place. A purpose, even. So though our large garden is mostly perennials, I did plant 2 trays of annuals this year. Most of those two trays were admittedly salvia. The repetition of red in many of my borders draws the eye from bed to bed. 
It’s very subliminal. I bet you think you are seeing salvia, a rose, and cleome in the close-up to the right. And of course you are. But red repeated is also strong enough to get you to look all the way to the back of the yard. This unites a garden bed that otherwise might feel like ‘crappus collectus’.
Salvia also provides color in areas that have no perennial blooming at the moment. Novice gardeners often expect their perennials to bloom all summer. Sorry folks, even if you plan well, there are areas with no color at times.
Salvia’s bright red is even strong enough to pull your eye all the way to the other side of the yard to see this:
So there. I’ve admitted it. I plant salvia. And next year I may plant more – two trays wasn’t really enough. Hate me if you must, but at least you know there is a method to my madness.
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