In this thesis, I have discussed which (herbacious) perennials that are sold most in the county of Norrbotten in the upper north of Sweden. Also discussed are the factors considering overwintering and factors that affect the chances of survival. The reason to the subject is that I m born and raised in Norrbotten and throughout the years I ve wondered why so many of the perennial flowerbeds look so similar. The purpose of the thesis is to give another approach to the composition of the garden by explaining some of the factors that controls the survival of plants. The information is gathered partly through interviews with plantshop personnel and partly by a literature study. The results of the interviews reveal that tradition and hardiness is the major reasons to the consumer s choice.