Artemisia 'Silver Mound': This lovely plant has very soft silver gray foliage and grows to a height of approximately 12". It forms a lovely mound and is an attractive addition to any garden

Astilbe Red Glut: These delightful plants have feathery spikes of red, pink or white. It blooms in the summer (July-August) and attains a height of approximately 2’-3’. This pretty perennial thrives in moist locations.

Aurinia saxatilis 'Compacta' Golden Basket Alyssum: This lovely plant produces mountains of golden blooms in mid spring. It grows to approximately 10" and is great in rock gardens.

Campanula carpatica Carpathian Bellflower: These pretty little plants produce blue or white cup-shaped flowers. They bloom all summer long and reach a height of approximately 7".

Dianthus barbatus 'Sweet William': This colourful biennial has fragrant flowers borne on dwarf 10" plants. They bloom in June and are beautiful as an edging plant.

Dianthus deltoides 'Maiden Pinks': This is a low creeping plant with brilliant blood red flowers in early summer. Grows to a height of approximately 6".

Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies': These tiny pink flowers are produced all summer long. They are perfect for the rock garden and in low borders. Grows to a height of approximately 6".

Dicentra formosa 'Luxuriant Bleeding Heart': This lovely plant is so hardy and usually one of my first to flower. It has a cutleaf with cherry red flowers. It reaches a height of approximately 12". However the one I have is approximately 26" and seems to like the location which is close to the foundation of the house, southwest corner. It is nestled in between two other shrubs and has been thriving there since I transplanted it three years ago.

Dicentra spectabilis 'Bleeding Heart': This is one of the classics. It reaches a height of approximately 24". The white and pink heart shaped flowers bloom in early spring. There is a profusion of these lovely little blooms dangling from the plant. A necessity for the perennial gardener.

Gaillardia 'Goblin': These colourful red flowers are edged in yellow. They bloom all summer long and require full sun. Attains a height of approximately 8"-12". This superb plant is so colourful I would recommend planting a few of them to create a brilliant blast of colour in your perennial garden.

Ferns: Delicate, lacy fronds enhance and soften any landscape by providing a light, airy texture. Ferns thrive where there is ample moisture, good soil and partial to full shade. There are several to choose from and their classic beauty adds grace to any garden. They are a must for your garden as a groundcover, accent or under shrubs and trees. My personal favorite is the Athyrium filix -- femina -- 'Lady Fern': which is a hardy fern tufted, with graceful feathery fronds. It will tolerate dry soils and spreads quickly. TIP: No fern thrives in deep shade and the stronger the sun, the greater the need for moisture. Do not plant ferns too deeply. Set the crowns at or just below the soil level for best results.

‘Stella d’oro’: This unique day lily blooms from June until September. The plants form dense clumps to approximately 12" in height. It does well in almost any soil.

‘Little Wart’: This plant has deep lavender blooms with a green throat. Medium ruffled petals have sepals slightly recurved. The fragrant blooms are approximately 3" and it attains a height of approximately 18".

There are several other varieties of day lilies. Be sure to buy one for your perennial garden. You will not be disappointed and the colour range is positively spectacular.