Common name:Blue Atlas Cedar
Botanical name:Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

As a large, slow-growing conifer, Blue Atlas Cedar requires ample room for growth. It has a broad, pyramidal form and is an eye-catching specimen for a large landscape. It's needles are 1 inch long, and are a beautiful shade of silvery blue. In order to develop its best color, the tree needs to be exposed to full sun. It can reach up to 40 to 60 feet tall and up to 30 feet wide. There is also a weeping form, Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula.' Cedars have lovely cones, emerging bluish when young and aging a reddish brown.

Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera sanguinea

Coral Bells have beautiful round, scalloped leaves that makes this plant a garden favorite even when it isn't in bloom. Red to carmine bell-shaped flowers appear on a long, graceful, wiry stem in late spring. Removing the spent flowers will prolong the bloom season. Excellent for dry shade areas, they will require more water with more light. Many species and selections are available with different leave and flower colors; also with differing water tolerances. For best effect, plant many together, as they are delicate in appearance and can get lost among bolder plants.

Common name:Compact Dwarf Boxwood
Botanical name:Buxus microphylla 'Compacta'

This is a very compact boxwood, growing slowing to 1 foot tall but eventually spreading as wide as 4 feet. though it is evergreen, the dark green foliage takes on a bronze hue in the winter months. Use to edge a perennial, shrub, or foundation border, to line a walk, or as an evergreen accent in the perennial garden. Its generally uniform growth habit means little maintanance is required to keep it tidy.

Common name:Oakleaf Hydrangea
Botanical name:Hydrangea quercifolia

Oakleak hydrangea is a deciduous, summer blooming shrub with an irregular, rounded habit growing about 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Green leaves are large and deeply lobed, and reminiscent of oak leaves; fall color is a rich burgundy. White flower clusters appear in mid summer in erect, terminal panicles; flowers slowly age to a pinkish-purple color and persist into the fall. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter. Fabulous in the shady shrub or foundation border. Excellent cut flower. Many selections available.

Common name:Siberian Bugloss
Botanical name:Brunnera macrophylla

Bugloss is a charming spring perennial with flowers similar to those of forget-me-nots, but with a tougher constitution. It has large, rounded, heart-shaped leaves to 10" long by 6" wide. Flowers appear mid to late spring, borne on open spikes, and are tiny and clear sky-blue. Grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 20 inches wide. A wonderful companion for heuchera, variegated iris, and spring bulbs. The foliage stays nice all summer, but will look its best if planted where it will receive some mid-day relief from the sun. A nice cut flower.