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: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.