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Stylophorum diphyllum

One of the first plants to bloom in the spring, this perky low-growing plant has lobed green leaves and bright yellow poppy-like flowers.

Hydrangea quercifolia

Oak Leaf Hydrangea is a flowering, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with oak-like, dark green leaves. Large flower clusters bloom May to July; flowers are white turning to pale pink and are good cut or dried.

Pinus strobus ‘Fastigiata’

Columnar Eastern White Pine is a small- to medium-sized, long-needled evergreen conifer with a narrow, columnar shape. Branches grow upright, giving this tree its compact shape. Bundles of five needles are soft to the touch and appear bluish-green. Columnar Eastern White Pine is a good choice for a screen planting. It can also be used as a specimen tree.

Hylotelephium telephium

Sedum is an easy-to-grow perennial with succulent green leaves and dense clusters of rosy-pink, star-shaped flowers which bloom from late summer until frost (August-October).  With age the flower color changes to a burgundy-red, and the attractive dried flower heads can last well into the winter months.  Sedum is an excellent choice for dry,sunny areas of the yard.  It can be planted as a specimen or in masses.

Astilbe spp.

Astilbe is a shade-loving, summer-flowering perennial with fern-like, dark green foliage. Feathery plumes of tiny, wispy flowers in a variety of colors bloom in mid- to late summer. The flowers can be used fresh-cut or dried in floral arrangements. This plant prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil. Use Astilbe in masses in shady beds and borders or in woodland gardens.

Hosta spp.

Hosta is a flowering perennial mainly grown for its attractive foliage. The Hosta genus includes many species and varieties with different combinations of leaf shapes, colors, and patterns. Bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors bloom in late spring to summer on top of stalks extending above the foliage. This plant prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil. Use Hosta in shady beds and borders or in woodland gardens. Protect Hosta from deer browse, as it can be one of their favorite plants!

Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Bleeding Heart is a shade-loving, spring-flowering perennial. Blooming April-May, the heart-shaped, pink flowers dangle from long, arching stems that extend above the attractive foliage. The flowering stems are excellent fresh-cut. After flowering, this plant will usually go dormant by mid-summer. Use Bleeding Heart in shady borders or in a woodland garden. Plant it next to other bushy perennials, which can fill in gaps as the plants die back.

Scaevola aemula

Fanflower is a sprawling, tender perennial grown as an annual in New Jersey. Bluish-purple, fan-shaped flowers with yellow “throats” bloom on trailing stems non-stop throughout the spring and summer. Fanflower thrives in the heat of summer. This plant tolerates dry, sandy soils and salt spray, making it a good choice for seashore gardens. Use Fanflower in beds, containers, and hanging baskets, or as an annual groundcover.

Catharanthus roseus

Madagascar Periwinkle is a tender perennial grown as an annual in New Jersey. It has attractive, glossy leaves and rose-pink, phlox-like flowers, which bloom from June to frost. Cultivars offer additional color choices, including red, purple, and white. This plant thrives in summer heat, and is drought-tolerant once established. It grows best in well-drained soil. Minimize overhead watering to avoid root rot. Use Madagascar Periwinkle in beds and borders, as an edging plant, or as an annual groundcover. It can also be used in containers.

Pentas lanceolata

Egyptian Starcluster is a flowering tropical plant grown as an annual in New Jersey. It has lush, green foliage and large, rounded clusters of star-shaped flowers, which are available in a variety of colors (pink, lavender, red, and white). This plant flowers prolifically from summer to frost. The nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Egyptian Starcluster grows best in organically rich soils. Plant it in beds, borders, and containers, or use it indoors as a houseplant. If desired, outdoor plants can be moved indoors for overwintering.