Mostly grown for its attractive foliage, Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf) is an evergreen tuberous perennial forming a dense clump of narrow, arching, dark green leaves. Blooming for weeks in late summer and fall, erect spikes of thickly clustered, small violet-purple flowers, 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm), appear on 5-12 in. stems (12-30 cm). They resemble grape hyacinth (Muscari), hence the Latin name. The blooms give way to round, shiny, black berries which often persist into winter. Hardy and compact, Lily Turf is a popular, alluring plant, particularly handsome when grown in large swaths or undulating rivers. Liriope muscari can be used as a lawn grass substitute too.

Award-winning Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' (Catmint) is a popular herbaceous perennial noted for its massive lavender-blue blooms on short spikes, atop aromatic, gray-green foliage in early summer, continuing on and off through early fall if spent flowers are regularly removed.

Native to Asia and Australia, Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) is among the most beautiful and graceful ornamental grasses with its cascading foliage that rustles in the wind. Requiring very little care and providing almost nonstop drama in the garden. This cold-hardy grass typically grows in 2-3 foot tall (60-90 cm) rounded mounds of dark green foliage turning golden yellow or beige in fall. The flowering season begins as early as early summer or as late as early fall when the foliage is topped with soft and fluffy, reddish purple to coppery tan bottlebrush-like flowers, resembling large foxtails, on arching stems. They make excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.

One of the most popular variety of Chinese Silver Grasses, 'Gracillimus' is a spectacular ornamental grass grown for its abundant, purple-flushed, flower plumes on display in late summer. They delicately change to silver as they mature and provide excellent winter interest. They rise gracefully, well above an elegant foliage of narrow, arching, green leaves with white midribs. A fabulous focal point in the garden! Easily grows in a lovely, dense fountain-like clump, up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm). Drought tolerant and deer resistant

A favorite of many gardeners - and deservedly so - Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' (Smooth Hydrangea) is an outstanding flowering shrub. In early summer, this small, bushy deciduous shrub produces huge, rounded flower clusters, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), that brighten shady areas and bring life to the garden. Blooming for up to two months, the blossoms open lime-green, mature to brilliant white, then back to pale green in late summer before switching to a tan shade in the fall. Prized for its excellent resistance to insects and diseases, Annabelle is a good choice for the mixed border. The flowers make great cut flowers, fresh or dried.

Noted for its distinct, boldly lobed leaves and superb double-flowered blooms, award-winner Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a vigorous deciduous shrub that provides interest almost all year round. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, this Oak Leaf Hydrangea features large, arching, conical flower heads, up to 12 in. (30 cm), packed with double blossoms layered on top of one another. On display from late spring to midsummer, the long-lasting grapes of creamy-white flowers gradually turn rosy-pink as they mature. In the fall, the foliage of deeply lobed, oak-like leaves, turns bronze, crimson or burgundy (if planted in a sunny location with a little afternoon shade). In the winter, the rich brown exfoliating bark becomes a real center of attraction. A fabulous Hydrangea to be used as a garden focal point or combined with other shrubs or perennials.