The spring 2017 planting was designed and installed by PHS's Project Specialist, Leah Blanton.
Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' is commonly called sweet flag. Although 'Ogon' looks like a grass it is actually a perennial evergreen plant that is not a member of the grass family.
'Ogon' features showy, variegated leaves which often appear primarily yellow. 'Ogon' thrives in wet conditions but also does well in a moist border.
Also known as wind flowers, Anemone are a diverse group of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. Anemone are rhizomatous perennials with showy, poppy-like flowers.
Aquilegia is a type of columbine in the Ranunculaceae family. Beidermeier Group columbine are a mix of compact, low-growing perennials. Biedermeier columbine are bushy and clump forming. The flowers bloom from the spring through early summer.
Commonly called Foxglove, Digitalis is biennial and produces flowers in its second year. The leaves are used to create some heart medicines but Digitalis is highly poisonous to people and pets.
Digitalis attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Also know as Martin's Spurge, Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow' is a compact perennial which remains colorful year round. The foliage is topped by clusters of variegated cream, lime, and green flowers (bracts) in spring. In cooler months, the foliage turns vibrant shades of pink, red, and orange.
'Ascot Rainbow' works well in containers and is highly heat and drought tolerant.
Fennel is a perennial commonly used for culinary and medicinal purposes. When grown for decoration, it can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. Fennel is very attractive to butterflies. Visit our pollinator Subject Guide to learn more about attracting pollinators.
This herbaceous perennial is also known as avens 'Totally Tangerine'. 'Totally Tangerine' is a large geum which features peachy-orange flowers and a long flowering season. The foliage is semi-evergreen and blooms are present from late spring to autumn. It is attractive to pollinators and resistant to deer.
Visit our pollinator Subject Guide to learn more about attracting pollinators. Click here for more information on Deer in the Garden.
'Beauty of Livermere' is one of the most popular poppies because of its large, scarlet red flowers with dark basal blotches and dark purple center stamens. These bold flowers bloom from spring until early summer. After flowering, the plant goes dormant and can leave gaps in garden.
'Beauty of Livermere' can be grown from seed and will often self seed in the garden if blooms are left on the plant. It is also deer and rabbit tolerant. Click here for our Subject Guide Deer in the Garden.
Oriental poppies are perennial poppies which feature large, showy flowers. 'Prince of Orange' features large, crepe paper-like orange blooms with black blotches in the center. Oriental poppies bloom from spring until early summer. After blooming, the plants will go dormant and leave gaps in a garden or flower bed.
Oriental poppies can be planted from seed and will often self seed if blooms are left on the plant. They are also deer resistant. Click here for our Subject Guide Deer in the Garden.
Salix matsudana is also known as curly willow. It is often sold as an ornamental tree or for controlling erosion. Twisted and curling branches make this Salix very attractive.
Curly willow is a highly invasive tree. Additionally, a shallow root system means Salix is often harmful to foundations, sidewalks, and septic systems.
At PHS, we've used cut curly willow to add height and dimension to our planters. Click here for more in using dried plants in outdoor decorations.
Saxifraga x arendsii, commonly called rockfoil, is an evergreen perennial. 'Alpino Early Pink Heart' features mid size flowers in shades of pink. 'Alpino Early Pink Heart' blooms early in spring.
Voila cornuta are also know as horned violets or pansies. They are short lived, evergreen perennials often planted as annuals. They have a compact and uniform habit and display excellent heat tolerance. 'Marina' features fragrant, deep blue flowers.