Common name:Ninebark
Botanical name:Physocarpus opulifolius

Ninebark is an upright to spreading deciduous shrub with a somewhat coarse texture, growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Noted for its exfoliating bark (on mature branches) which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark (hence the common name of ninebark). Bark provides winter interest, but in summer is hidden by the foliage. Small pink or white, five-petaled flowers appearing in dense, flat, rounded, spirea-like clusters (corymbs) in late spring. Flowers give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit. Ovate to rounded, usually 3-5 lobed leaves are dull green in summer changing to an undistinguished yellow in fall. Many varieties are available; P. o. 'Monlo' (Diabolo) has purple leaves.

Common name:Becky Shasta Daisy
Botanical name:Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky'

Becky daisy is larger than most other Shasta cultivars, growing 3 to 4 feet tall on rigid stems which do not require staking. Flowers are 3 to 4 inches across, with the classic white rays and yellow centers, and coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped, medium green leaves. Stems do not require staking. Long bloom period of July through September. Excellent and long-lasting fresh cut flower. Not a low-water perennial, but certainly a fine addition to a perennial border that receives regular watering. Grows 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.

Common name:Snow-In-Summer
Botanical name:Cerastium tomentosum

Masses of snow white flowers cover this plant from late spring to early summer. Fine textured foliage is silvery grey. After flowering, shear back plant to encourage new foliage and for a tidy appearance. Over-head watering may cause the plant to "melt-out" in the center; over-watering, in general, causes the plant to die out over time. An attractive filler among other plants and rocks, and nice ground cover for areas that receive little foot traffic. Plant at edges of walks to soften paths. I saw a lovely planting where cerastium was used to represent water in a "dry creek" design-Brilliant. Grows 4 to 5 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.

Common name:Sweet Woodruff
Botanical name:Galium odoratum

Sweet Woodruff is a charming, delicate-looking groundcover well suited to dry shade areas; but its appearance is deceiving as this is one tough little plant). Growing to about 2 to 4 inches in height, with single plants eventually spreading 12 to 18 inches, it slowly carpets shady spots with bright green, whorled leaves. Flowers occur in spring, are white, four-petaled, and fragrant. Stems are slightly sticky. Plants emit a strong odor of freshly mown hay when foliage is crushed or cut. Aromatic intensity of the foliage increases when dried, thus dried leaves are popularly used in sachets or potpourris. Plants have also been used commercially in perfumes. Leaves are sometimes used to flavor teas and cold fruit drinks. Leaves are also used to make May wine, a punch made from white wine flavored with woodruff.

Common name:Snow-In-Summer
Botanical name:Cerastium tomentosum

Masses of snow white flowers cover this plant from late spring to early summer. Fine textured foliage is silvery grey. After flowering, shear back plant to encourage new foliage and for a tidy appearance. Over-head watering may cause the plant to "melt-out" in the center; over-watering, in general, causes the plant to die out over time. An attractive filler among other plants and rocks, and nice ground cover for areas that receive little foot traffic. Plant at edges of walks to soften paths. I saw a lovely planting where cerastium was used to represent water in a "dry creek" design-Brilliant. Grows 4 to 5 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.

Common name:Ninebark
Botanical name:Physocarpus opulifolius

Ninebark is an upright to spreading deciduous shrub with a somewhat coarse texture, growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. Noted for its exfoliating bark (on mature branches) which peels in strips to reveal several layers of reddish to light brown inner bark (hence the common name of ninebark). Bark provides winter interest, but in summer is hidden by the foliage. Small pink or white, five-petaled flowers appearing in dense, flat, rounded, spirea-like clusters (corymbs) in late spring. Flowers give way to drooping clusters of reddish fruit. Ovate to rounded, usually 3-5 lobed leaves are dull green in summer changing to an undistinguished yellow in fall. Many varieties are available; P. o. 'Monlo' (Diabolo) has purple leaves.