If you're looking for a low-maintenance perennial that is one smart plant, consider the Japanese anemone. This member of the Ranunculaceae family knows its place on a gardener's calendar. Like New Yorkers, who realize that the appearance of Japanese anemone blossoms in Central Park's Conservatory Garden means shorter days and cooler weather lie ahead, I can predict fall's arrive by observing my anemones. 

When the cluster of plants growing along the eastern exposure of my house begin to sprout graceful branching elongated stems, sometimes to heights of five feet, I know that a welcomed relief to the Vacaville's scorching summer heat is just around the corner. Slowly, atop the long, thin, wiry stems the buds open and hint at winter with pure white to pale pink blooms shaped like a tea saucer with a gentle upward curve of sepals instead of flower petals. In the center of the blossom is a greenish-yellow button-shaped cluster of stigmas encircled by a fluffy yellow ring of stamens. But most amazing to me is the Japanese anemones often blooms continuously until frost.

To grow this faithful perennial in your garden, here are a couple tips:

• Provide part shade and a buffer or shelter from strong winds and intense afternoon sun that may burn the foliage. Plants thrive best if protected by an overhang, larger plants or a tree.

• Place new plants into flowerbeds either in mid-spring or early autumn. Anemones grow in both acid or alkaline soil, spreading by underground runners from their fibrous rootstocks. 

• Be patient and don't expect blooms the first year. In time, Japanese anemones will spread beside the side of your house and along your walkway, delighting you with fall blossoms year after year.