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:Compact Oregon Grape
Botanical name:Mahonia aquifolium 'Compacta'

'Compacta' has the same characteritics of the species: evergreen holly-like spiny leaves, yellow spring flowers, blue-black fruit - but grows only about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide.

Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera

Coral bell are a large collection of perennials, with many species and many more hybrids, and are grown as much for their fabulous foliage as they are the dainty flowers they produce. Plants are generally clumping-mounding, with rounded to heart-shaped leaves, lobed or deeply separated, usually with prominent veining. Leaves may be green, bronze, purple, yellow, copper, or chartreuse, and speckled or zoned, depending on variety. Flowers are bell-shaped and form along an erect stem, and may be white, cream, pinks, reds, or rather insignificant. Generally blooms early to mid summer, though with foliage like this, flowers are almost unnecessary. Size ranges from little heuchera, barely 6 inches tall, to much larger plants growing 24 inches tall and wide, and taller still if you count their flower stems. Wonderful additions to perennial, shrub, or foundation borders, also containers, and along walks.

Common name:Ivory Halo Dogwood
Botanical name:Cornus alba 'Bailhalo'

Ivory Halo is a smaller version of variegated dogwood, growing about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, wide a compact rounded habit. Leaves are light green and white, and red in the fall. Bark is red and provides wonderful winter interest, especially when planted infront of evergreens or solid fences. It produces white flowers in late spring, which are followed by blue-white berries. Use in the shrub or foundation border, and combines effectively cotoneaster, hydrangea, spirea, viburnum, and wiegala.