Common name:Variegated Iris
Botanical name:Iris pallida 'Variegata'

If I had to pick my top five must-have perennials, this would be on the list. A species of bearded iris, yellow variegated iris has long, sword like foliage that emerges in early spring and is colored pale, grey-green and lemony yellow. Flowers bloom late spring to early summer, are a pale blue to violet-blue, and are very fragrant (like a cross between grape and apple juice). Absolutely fills the yard. And after flowering, the foliage holds out all summer, unlike other bearded iris; the variegated leaves a striking presence, even without the flowers. The foliage is about 18 to 24 inches tall, and the flowers rise to about 30 to 40 inches. I have never had a garden that didn't include this iris. There is also a variety with white variegation, usually listed as Iris p. 'Argenta.' Fabulous anywhere, and plant enough so you can cut them and bring them indoors.

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:Creeping Jenny, Moneywort
Botanical name:Lysimachia nummularia

Creeping Jenny is a trailing groundcover that grows in most situations, but prefers shade and moderate moisture. Its yellow fragrant flowers have 5 rounded petals nestled in the round leaf pairs in May and June. It forms dense mats that can become invasive, but is well suited as a ground cover with larger, woody shrubs. Is attractive in rock walls and cascading out of pots. There are cultivars available, ones with yellow to chartreuse foliage.

Common name:Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet
Botanical name:Zauschneria garrettii 'Orange Carpet'

This superb Hummingbird Trumpet spreads like a groundcover to form a loose mat of low growing, bright green foliage, about 4 to 6 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide. In mid-to-late summer it lights up the garden with a profusion of bright orange flowers that last for many weeks. Regular watering (but not over-watering) when in bloom keeps the flowers coming. 'Orange Carpet' prefers some afternoon shade, especially at lower elevations. Originally selected by David Salman of High Country Gardens. This zauschneria is practically made for parkstrips.