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Allium schoenoprasum

Wild Chives is an edible perennial herb with attractive flowers. It is grown for its flavorful, onion-like leaves, which can be used in salads or cooked dishes. Round clusters of purple or lilac flowers bloom April-May; the flowers are also edible and can be used to garnish soups and salads. The flower heads can be dried for use in floral arrangements. Wild Chives is not just for the herb or vegetable garden! Use it as an edging plant in flower beds or borders, or as an accent around larger perennials. Plants can be dug-up in the fall and grown indoors in a container window garden.

Ageratum houstonianum

Ageratum is one of the few annuals that can tolerate some shade. This fast-growing, long-blooming annual adds a touch of blue to the yard. Its dense, rounded clusters of fuzzy-looking, blue flowers bloom from June until first frost. Varieties are also available with purple and white blooms, and tall varieties may be used for cut-flower arrangements. Use Ageratum as an edging plant, in beds, or in containers.

Aesculus flava

Yellow Buckeye is a large, deciduous tree. Erect clusters of yellow flowers bloom April-May. The round buckeye nuts turn brownish-red; the word “buckeye” comes from the light-colored scar on the nut, which gives the appearance of a deer’s eye. The nuts are a food source for wildlife. This tree has orange fall foliage. Yellow Buckeye needs moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Use it as a shade or specimen tree. Avoid planting it near patios, sidewalks, or driveways, since the fruits, leaves, and twigs may cause tree litter.

Achillea spp.

Yarrow is a flowering perennial with fragrant, fine-textured leaves. Tiny flowers are clustered together in flat displays, layered on top of stems. Depending on the variety, flowers bloom in many colors, June-September. Yarrow is easily grown in average, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. This plant can spread through rhizomes and self-seeding, and should be divided as needed. Best used in wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas.

Acer spicatum

Mountain Maple is a small, multi-trunked, understory tree that thrives at high elevations. Small, yellowish-green flowers bloom in clusters on upright stems in early summer. Its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. Use as a specimen tree or in shady areas. Good choice for preventing erosion on steep slopes and stream banks. Mountain Maple may be difficult to find commercially. Tell your local garden center or nursery about your interest in this tree.

Abelia x grandiflora

Glossy Abelia is a semi-deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub with graceful, arching branches. Fragrant, bell-shaped, white or pink flowers bloom May-September. The dark green leaves turn an attractive dark purple in the fall. Use this plant as a specimen or in mass plantings. It can also be used as a screen or hedge, and is effective for erosion control on steep slopes. Glossy Abelia is susceptible to stem damage during harsh winters, so consider planting it in protected locations.