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:Powis Castle Artemisia
Botanical name:Artemisia 'Powis Castle'

With its finely dissected, silvery foliage, Powis Castle Artemisia is a wonderful foil for other plants with colored foliage or brightly colored flowers. Its silvery foliage is attractive over a long season, helping to bridge those gaps in the perennial border between lulls in flowering. Stems are useful in flower arrangements, and it is undisturbed by deer and rabbits. It may grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. I admit to liking this cultivar so much more than Silver Mound.

Common name:Torchlily
Botanical name:Kniphofia uvaria

A sturdy South African native, known for its unique flower spikes and tough, grass-like foliage. The species has bicolor spikes in shades of orange and yellow, with the coloring fading into each other in an ombre-pattern. A plant of substance, it does well alone, in mass, or lining drives and entries. There are cultivars with flower size and color variations from the species. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts hummingbirds. Very drought and heat tolerant. Grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, though it will get wider in time.

Common name:Powis Castle Artemisia
Botanical name:Artemisia 'Powis Castle'

With its finely dissected, silvery foliage, Powis Castle Artemisia is a wonderful foil for other plants with colored foliage or brightly colored flowers. Its silvery foliage is attractive over a long season, helping to bridge those gaps in the perennial border between lulls in flowering. Stems are useful in flower arrangements, and it is undisturbed by deer and rabbits. It may grow 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. I admit to liking this cultivar so much more than Silver Mound.

Common name:Woolly or Silver Speedwell
Botanical name:Veronica spicata incana

Woolly Speedwell is a long-time garden favorite. Low mounds of grey-green leaves are topped by erect woolly white stems and spires of sky blue to violet flowers. Blooms in early summer. Foliage grows about 8 to 12 inches tall; flower spires grow to 15 to 18 inches. Spread is about 16 to 20 inches. Excellent cut flower; attracts bees and butterflies, and is generally left alone by deer.