John, I have talked with the floating island folks a bit. I want to grow perennials because I'm lazy -- don't feel like replanting every year -- and because they usually have deeper root systems.
Irises for sure, maybe some native grasses.
What have you found that grows well?
I would recommend a butterfly mix of wild flowers from wallmart. Get the big pack and pant it all. They will come back every year from their own seed.
Cheers Don.