Acanthus BEAR'S BREECHES Statuesque plants with large handsome leaves, growing upright but arching with soft thorny points. The spiny erect flower spikes are impressive. They need good drainage and some protection to become established in zone 6. Colonizing roots.

Achillea YARROW The flat flowerheads are borne on sturdy stems and are excellent for cutting and drying. Cut when pollen shows for fresh flowers. Achilleas last a long time in flower. They thrive in ordinary soil, and are best suited to soils that retain moisture but absolutely require good drainage. Leaves are gray green to dark green and present textures that include a feathery or finely toothed appearance.

Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' MONKSHOOD Closely allied to Delphinium their rich green leaves are divided but their hooded flowers easily distinguish them. They respond to good treatment by flowering more freely where not starved in rich, moist soil. All aconitums have poisonous leaves, roots and stems. Important late bloomer with a generous bloom period. If you can not wait until the fall, the large, loose and widely branched flowers of A. h. 'Spark's Variety' will give your summer garden the tall blues. Leaves are more dissected than A. carmichaelii. May need staking if in too much shade.

Acorus gramineus 'Argenteostriatus' ('Variegatus') JAPANESE SWEET FLAG Thrives in moist to wet soil. Highly ornamental narrow, dark green, grassy leaves are brightly striped with cream. Useful waterside or border plant for contrasting foliage. Leaves fan out from the base in a circular fashion. A. calamus 'Variegatus' has erect iris-like foliage that has a tangerine scent when bruised. Other cultivars include gold foliage and dwarf kinds. All will grow in regular garden soil with adequate moisture.

Adenophora liliifolia LADY BELLS Leaves are serrated and lance shaped, growing directly outward from upright stems. Lower leaves are serrated and heart shaped with a short leaf stem. Blue cupflowers appear on tall branching spires in summer. Group several together for best show in moist, deep soil.

Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum' BISHOP'S WEED Extremely rapidly spreading ground cover, used to cover moderate to large areas, but must be restrained. Dead-head to stop spreading by seed. Adaptable plant used for infertile soils and/or soils on the dry side where its growth is slowed. Leaves are light green with silvery white margins.

Agastache ANISE HYSSOP Bushy foliage is sturdy and has a minty-anise fragrance like licorice. Profuse flower spikes are durable and provide a steady attraction to butterflies and hummingbirds. Suited best for fertile soil with excellent drainage amidst average to dry conditions, which produces an impressive performance.

Ajania pacifica (Chrysanthemum pacificum) GOLD AND SILVER MUM The distinctive leaves are green, edged in silvery white, and are durable and pest resistant. A handsome, vigorous grower forming a dense, weedproof colony of fine foliage. Blooms exceptionally late in the season. Flourishes in free draining soil.

Ajuga BUGLEWEED Ground cover for small to moderate size areas. Best in sandy loam, moist rather than dry. A. pyramidalis has slightly toothed leaves and does not spread as rapidly as the A. reptans cultivars, which produce rounded and smoother leaves. Both express a color range including burgundy, pink, cream and/or shades of green. Colors are more pronounced in brighter light.

Akebia quinata CHOCOLATE VINE A vigorous twining climber with clusters of five rounded leaflets and fragrant flowers. Semi-evergreen foliage holds up for much of the winter. Cut back in late winter to retain control.

Alcea rosea HOLLYHOCK Plant in an open position in reasonably fertile soil that is neither too dry nor too wet. Dead heading will prolong life and the flowering of this long blooming, biennial to perennial plant. Leaves are large, green, rounded and veined, forming a mounded rosette. A colorful show of 3 - 5 in. blooms stem from towering flower stalks.

Alchemilla mollis LADY'S MANTLE Thrive on any evenly moist, humus rich loam soil yet grows well in any soil except bog. Good alone or used as a ground cover. Under favorable conditions these plants will seed themselves. An added attraction is the sparkling water droplets from dew or rain captured by the green, velvety, rounded leaves. Flowers last long or can be cut for fresh or dry arrangements.

Allium gigateum GIANT ONION Largest of the Alliums and a stately garden plant for its habit, foliage, and flower. Grayish green foliage makes an appearance very early, presenting 6 to 9 lance like or strappy leaves which become 2 in. in width, narrowing to a pointed tip, totaling 18 in. long. Stems rise with strength, and bear neat fist-sized spheres (diam. 4in.) containing a dense amount of tiny flowers (over 100) with little protruding stamens. Needs light loam soil. Planting in groups of at least three will produce a great performance, but place in the back of the border, for the leaves are gone soon after the flowers. An important plant for its unique beauty. Allium christophii Spectacular 8 in. spheres are composed of pale bluish violet star shaped florets with a metallic sheen. Prized fresh cut flower or for drying lasting for 2 - 3 years. A. senescens 'Glaucum' has handsome blue green twisted foliage and mid summer bloom. Allium thunbergii 'Ozawa' extends the allium season with autumn bloom and foliage that turns a brilliant pumpkin orange with the onset of cold weather.

Alstroemeria PERUVIAN LILY Developed through the breeding program at Uconn. Long blooming and an excellent cut flower. Seems to perform well in a pot or container. Hardiness Zone: 5b - 8.

Alyssum montanum 'Mountain Gold' MADWORT A more compact form than the straight spceies. This semi-shrubby plant requires a lean and extremely well drained site. Forming loose rosettes, the grey green leaves are pseudo evergreen and should not be cut back for the winter. Shearing the plants back by one third to one half after flowering will encourage a new flush of leaves, prevent self-sowing and to maitain good health and shape. The flowers occur in fragrant masses. Perfect in walls and rock gardens, also useful for edges of the border. Similar in effect, garden culture and function to the more widely known and grown Aurinia saxatilis (Alyssum saxatile) BASKET OF GOLD.

Ampelopsis brevipedunculata 'Elegans' VARIEGATED PORCELAIN VINE  The species A. brevipedunculata is deemed very invasive, the cultivar here, while not quite as bad, can also be aggressive.  In our zone 6 and warmer climates the growth rate can be fast and in time can cover a small shed, farther north the cold winters keep it’s growth in check, slows it down a bit and increases seedling mortality.  Flowers are insignificant and only seem to appeal to wasps and bees. The ornamental features are the porcelain blue berries that form in autumn and irregular variegated leaves.  Native to China and Japan.

Amsonia tabernaemontana BLUE STAR, BLUE DOGBANE Needs moist soil. Cut back flower stems after bloom to induce thicker plant growth. Spear-shaped leaves grow alternately and directly from each stem. Foliage has shrublike durability and turns bright yellow in autumn. The feathery needle-like foliage of A. hubrichtii remains ornamental throughout the season, turning a striking golden yellow in the fall.

Anaphalis triplenervis PEARL EVERLASTING A dome of abundant gray woolly foliage covered with starry everlasting flowers. Good contrast to green foliage plants. Needs consistent moisture and unlike many gray foliage plants, will not tolerate drought

Anemone hybrida (x) JAPANESE ANEMONE Sound perennials with colonizing roots that grow best in an open position in deeply dug, heavy, moist and fertile loam soil. They provide a durable display of both flower and foliage. Long and free blooming with leaves that are dark green, lobed, pointed and vinelike. Anemone tomentosa 'Robustissima' flowers earlier than the other Japanese Anemones. It is an extremely vigorous grower and useful where such a plant is desirable. Its leaves are gray green beneath. A. sylvestris prefers a more humusy soil, colonizing in open woodlands. Anemone canadensis has clear white single flowers held high above the foliage, and is a very strong growing plant that needs room to move.

Anemonella thalictroides  RUE-ANEMONE  The lone member of the genus Anemonella this Rue Anemone is a charming, sought after native.  From the fleshy caudex rise the delicate stems, which break quite easily if handled too roughly.  Throughout spring charming little Anemone like flowers sparkle in shades of white and pink.  These we raise from seed, so if you are very lucky, and I haven’t been yet, you may find amongst the single white flowers a double.  A must have for the shade garden, and you can consider your woodland garden incomplete with out them. 

Angelica gigas GIANT WILD PARSNIP Large plant with huge leaves that have a tropical appearance. Striking flower clusters resembling giant alliums are produced. A short-lived perennial or hardy biennial (3 - 4 yr.), but produces ample seed. Likes deep fertile soil that is moist, not very dry or wet. Useful for architectural variation, a lush impression in the garden, and also for a daring central subject for bouquets. Towering in full bloom, the gardener stands eye to eye with Angelica. Angelica pachycarpa Extremely glossy green leaves command attention. Prefers moist but well drained soil.

Anthemis tinctoria ‘Charme’ GOLDEN MARGUERITE  This perennial chamomile is handsome in both foliage and flower.  Light green foliage arises from basal rosettes being finely cut and taking on the appearance of Achillea.  Numerous golden daisy-like flowers are held above the foliage in summer.  Autumn color is of the familiar shades orange to brown.  Plants perform best in full sun, well-drained sites with moderate to poor soils, plants become lanky if soil is to rich.  Cut plants back after flowering to encourage basal growth and rebloom.

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’  A chocolate leaved biennial chervil.  Clusters of  tiny white flowers sparkle against the dark foliage in early summer.  Perhaps better suited to a meadow than a tailored perennial border since plants do self-sow.  Reseeding can be tamed by deadheading before seed dispersal.   Not entirely picky when it comes to cultural requirements often found inhabiting wasteland, site plants in sun to part shade with well-drained soil.

Aquilega COLUMBINE Thrive in any normal garden soil that is preferably moist but not wet, and moderately sunny. Vigorous plants with elegant divided glaucous green foliage, and distinctively shaped flowers on wiry branching stems. Self sows. If grown in shade, bright shade produces better blooming. Mixed color cultivars contain a same color on a given plant. Hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar of the spurs. A. 'Biedermeier' NOSEGAY COLUMBINE Foliage distinctively more neatly compact. Overtopping the foliage are 1 1/2 in. flower clusters in a profuse "honeycomb" of upward facing, short-spurred blooms, more tightly distributed than the A. 'Blue Shades' and A. Mckana's larger, more gracefully nodding flowers. A. canadensis WILD COLUMBINE A graceful native with its own unique elegance. Its 1 1/2 in. long nodding flowers may be smaller than most cultivars and not for those who want "big". Yet some hold this one their favorite, considering the native columbine species more stately than the cultivars, with dark green foliage, and in this case less prone to leaf minor, as well as its tolerance of more moderate amounts of moisture and preference to a bit more shade. Though A. McKana Hybrids are quite popular, A. 'Music Mix' is similar, yet shorter. A. caerulea 'Rocky Mountain' bears large, long spurred, upright flowers.

Arabis ROCKCRESS Luxurious foliage effect and early flowers, well suited for rock gardens, terraces, slopes and borders. Grows well in any good garden soil, not clay or bog, preferring a rough limy soil. The grayish green leaves are loose rosettes. Pseudo-evergreen.

Arisaema triphyllum JACK-IN-THE-PULPIT In woodland haunts of childhood, this flower and even its common name seem to stop time to allow quiet moments to look, almost without fail. Has two 3 - lobed leaves with a blue green underside and 1 ft. stems which grow taller after flowering. An often brightly colored leafy structure partly surrounds the spike and bends over it. Its inside is purple or bronze purple with lighter stripes. The inside fleshy spike is purple or greenish brown, or occasionally green. Red to orange red berries (if pollinated) are a food source for wildlife. Needs moisture retentive, fertile soil with plenty of humus in part shade to shade. Native woodland plant.

Armeria maritima THRIFT, SEAPINK Used to cover small areas or interplanted with other ground covers that won't overrun them. Best planted in light, sandy loam. In spring, flower stems emerge with carmine pink flowers drawing unfailing admiration. Good drainage is important. Resistant to short periods of drought. The tightly growing grasslike foliage is evergreen.

Artemisia WORMWOOD Tolerant to poor, infertile, dry soils. Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver King' stands erect with excellent, wide deep silver foliage and can be invasive where it is happy. A. l. 'Valerie Finnis', a more restrained grower, has wide leaves with an eye catching glow to them. The shrub-like Artemisia 'Powis Castle' is one of the finest cultivars and combines well when paired with many other plants. Prune in spring or summer but not any later. In mid summer trim Artemisia schmidtiana 'Nana' ('Silver Mound') to promote fresh growth and shapely plants. Aromatic fine textured foliage is silvery green to gray white, forming a soft, tight mound that invites touch.

Aruncus dioicus GOAT'S BEARD Grand enough to stand on its own. Flowers with the main flush of shrub roses and makes a fine companion for them. Best in fertile, moist soil but will grow in any soil, dry or moist. Leaves are a rich green and divided. Large plumes are filled with tiny star shaped flowers. Resembles a huge Astilbe.

Asarum WILD GINGER This woodland ground cover spreads its heart shaped leaves easily, although at times slowly, in moist, slightly acidic, fertile soil with good drainage. A. canadense CANADIAN WILD GINGER produces 6 in. matte green, deciduous leaves covered with fine hairs. A. europaeum EUROPEAN WILD GINGER has 3 in., leathery, shiny, dark green leaves that persist in winter. The unusual flowers are hidden by the foliage. Asarum maxima PANDA ASARUM Suggested Zone 6 with protection. Just completing its’ third New York winter (2006), in a foundation planting here at the nursery. Leaves dark green, glossy with silvery grey mottling. A true garden gem, the contrast of pure white and velvet black flowers are stunning.

Asclepias tuberosa BUTTERFLY FLOWER Slow to emerge in the spring. Tolerant of infertile soil, it likes sandy, humus loam soil. Drought tolerant, classic American native. Bright blooms are followed by attractive seed pods. Leaves are narrow and green. Attracts butterflies.

Aster ASTER Valuable plants that are lavish bloomers for summer and fall gardens. Grow well in reasonably moist, fertile soil. Wet soil in winter can be detrimental. Leaves are undivided, narrow, linear and sometimes toothed. Plant kinds range from under 12 in. to well over 4 ft. tall. Whacking tall types in early summer will produce a more compact plant, although flowering will be delayed a bit.

Asteromoea mongolica [Kalimeris pinnatifida 'Hortensis'] ORPHANAGE PLANT, JAPANESE ASTER Strong stems are upright with an open branch habit forming an almost spherically shaped plant. Resists pests and disease. Long bloomer, at least 12 weeks, with numerous little semi-double daisylike flowers that fade to light pink in early autumn. Does well in bright shade of open woodlands, and even better in full sun. Thrives in average fertility and moisture, but tolerates damp soil quite well.

Astilbe PLUME FLOWER These are long blooming, very useful, durable plants. Excellent display in rich, moist, acid soil. After the flowers fade, the rich brown plumes may be left to decorate the winter landscape. Shades of green, to greens with bronze, red or purplish red tones highlight the sight of elegant, lacy shapes of the astilbe leaf.

Astrantia MASTERWORT These plants have unique and beautifully shaped flowers that mimic pincushions with a collar of bracts giving a star like appearance. The papery blooms are held on branched wiry stems and the divided leaves form a dense clump. Excellent cut or dried flower. Astrantia major (the species) has greenish white flowers while other cultivars or species  may bloom white, pink, purple or red. Astrantias grow best in cool climates and they dislike hot humid weather.

Aubretia ROCKCRESS Excellent long blooming foreground plant that is useful between rocks and trailing over walls and edges. Grows well in light loam, preferring rough limy soil. The small leaves are a gray green, soft, profuse and evergreen. Leaves are smaller and more compact than the related Arabis.