Common name:Boston Ivy
Botanical name:Parthenocissus tricuspidata

This semi-evergreen vine has dark green leaves that are usually lobed and divided into 3 leaflets. Clings with both tendrils and adhesive-like tips that cements itself to all manner of surfaces. Leaves turn orange or red in autumn. Flowers are inconspicuous. During fall, small blue black berries appear to the delight of birds. This vine can grow 50'-60' long but it really depends on what it is growing on. This vine is aggressive.

Common name:Dwarf Plumbago, Dwarf Leadwort
Botanical name:Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Attractive groundcover with glossy green foliage. Intense, cobalt blue flowers emerge in late summer, lasting into fall, when the foliage turns burgundy red. Forms mats 6 to 8 inches tall and spreading 12 to 18 inches. Stunning autumn presence. Pairs well with Moor grass, perennial geraniums, and lady's mantle.

Common name:Gray Santolina
Botanical name:Santolina chamaecyparissus

This perennial has so much going for it, from its lovely silvery grey evergreen foliage to the charming yellow button flowers in summer. Foliage has a pleasing musky, herby scent. Ideal for sunny parkstrips, at the front of the perennial border, near walkways. Grows 18 inches tall and up to 24 to 36 inches wide.

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:Bressingham White Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera X brizoides 'Bressingham White'

Round, basal leaves, dainty bell-shaped flowers on branched spikes. A selection of Bressingham hybrids that is more consistently white. Plants form dense mounds of rounded, lobed leaves, with mounds generally under 15 inches in height, with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. Use in perennial borders, along paths, or at the edges of shrub or foundation borders. A lovely cut flower.

Common name:Hybrid Clematis
Botanical name:Clematis hybrids

These climbing plants produce wonderful flowers and dark green foliage. The species is made up of hundreds of varieties, and many of them are fragrant, though not strongly scented.