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Armeria maritima

Sea Thrift is a compact, drought- and salt-tolerant evergreen. Its stiff, grass-like leaves grow in a low, dense mound. Its ball-like, pink to white flowers bloom on wiry stalks extending above the foliage, April-May; the flowers are good fresh-cut. Removing the spent flowers will encourage additional blooms. This tough plant thrives in poor, dry soils, and it must have good drainage. Its tolerance to saltwater spray makes it an excellent choice for seashore gardens. It is also a great plant for rock gardens. Use Sea Thrift as an edging plant or as groundcover for small areas.

Aquilegia canadensis

Eastern Columbine is a shade-loving, wildlife-friendly perennial with attractive foliage and uniquely shaped flowers. The drooping, bell-like, red and yellow bi-colored flowers with backward-pointing tubes, bloom April-May. This plant is a hummingbird magnet. It provides nectar not only for hummingbirds, but also bees, butterflies, and hawk moths. It is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae, including the Columbine Duskywing (Erynnis lucilius). Its seeds are consumed by birds, including finches and buntings. Eastern Columbine self-seeds and will form colonies. The foliage remains attractive throughout the summer in moist soil conditions. Eastern Columbine is a wonderful addition to native plant gardens or wildlife habitat areas. Use it in beds, borders, woodland gardens, wildlife gardens, or naturalized areas. It can also be grown as a container plant.

Anthemis tinctoria

Golden Marguerite is an easy-to-grow, long-blooming perennial. The finely cut, fern-like, aromatic foliage grows in a rounded mound. Its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom on erect stems from June-September; the flowers are good fresh-cut. This plant can spread aggressively by self-seeding. Removing the spent flowers extends the bloom time and prevents seed formation. The foliage should be cut back after blooming to encourage basal growth. Plants can be divided every 2-3 years. Golden Marguerite requires good drainage, and does not grow well in clay soils. It will tolerate dry soil and droughty conditions. Use Golden Marguerite as an accent plant, in massed plantings, or in containers.

Anemone quinquefolia

Wood Anemone is a delicate, early-spring perennial. It features a whorl of deeply-cut, dark green leaves and a solitary white flower that blooms atop a 4 to 8-inch stalk, April-May. The graceful movement of the slender flower stalks in the wind led to its other common name, Wind Flower. Wood Anemone is a spring ephemeral — the plants die back in mid-summer. This plant forms colonies and makes a good spring groundcover for shady areas. It will re-seed itself; seedlings flower after 3-4 years of growth. It prefers moist to wet soil conditions. Use Wood Anemone in masses in woodland gardens or along shady edges of ponds or streams.

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Eastern Bluestar is an easy-to-grow, clump-forming perennial. Clusters of light blue, star-shaped flowers bloom at the top of stems in late spring to early summer. Eastern Bluestar prefers moist, well-drained soils, but will tolerate some drought once established.

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.

Agastache foeniculum

Blue Giant Hyssop is a long-blooming, perennial herb known for its bright lavender-blue flowers and fragrant leaves. Spikes of the tubular, lavender-blue flowers bloom July-September; the flower spikes are good fresh-cut or dried for floral arrangements. The flowers are a good nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Blue Giant Hyssop has special value to native bees and bumblebees. The leaves have a strong anise fragrance; they can be used to make herbal teas. Blue Giant Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant. It is a good choice for the dry, sandy soil conditions of seashore gardens. Use Blue Giant Hyssop in borders, herb gardens, or containers.

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.