A spectacular sight in late spring, Laburnum x watereri 'Vossii' (Golden Chain Tree) is a deciduous large shrub or small tree of breathtaking beauty when in full bloom. Reminiscent of golden chains, it produces an abundance of drooping clusters, up to 24 in. long (60 cm), of fragrant pea-like yellow flowers. The flowers are followed by attractive, bean-like pods, which ripen in the fall. The leaves, consisting of 3 leaflets, are glossy, deep green. This hybrid results from a cross between L. alpinum and L. anagyroides. It is by far the best variety of Laburnum because its racemes are the longest, and they bear dense crops of flowers. Moreover, the poisonous seeds are not as abundant as in other varieties, and gardeners often remove them to ensure good flowering the following year.

A favorite of many gardeners, multiple award-winner Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' is a striking ornamental onion with perfectly round flowerheads, 3 in. wide (8 cm), packed with dozens of small, star-shaped, rich violet-lilac flowers. They are borne atop sturdy stalks, which arise from a group of 6 to 8 handsome, blue-green leaves. Blooming in late spring to early summer, this spectacular Allium enjoys long-lasting blooms and makes outstanding cut flowers that will last for 2 weeks.