Eriophyllum lanatum

Eriophyllum lanatum is a perennial herb growing from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in height, in well-branched clumps. Both the stems and leaves may be covered with a woolly gray hair, but some plants lack this. The leaves are 2.5–7.5 cm (1–3 in) long, linear on the upper stems, and slender and pinnately lobed on the lower stems. The hairs conserve water by reflecting heat and reducing air movement across the leaf's surface.

The flowers are yellow and composite, looking much like true sunflowers, and sometimes grow to about 5 cm (2 in) wide. Both the (8–12) ray and disk flowers are yellow, with one flower head on each flowering stalk. The flower heads have 6–14 rays, which are darker towards the base, and several disk flowers. They bloom from May to August. The seeds have scales at the tip.

• will rapidly spread to any surrounding open ground. If plant spread is not desired, flower heads should be removed before seed ripening.
• Prefers full sun to light shade and enjoys dry to medium, well-drained soils. Needs very little water once established. Drought is tolerant.
• Oregon Sunshine is a favorite of birds and butterflies but is ignored by deer.
• It is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, naturalized areas, or cottage gardens. Best in groups or massed.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed.

Rhododendron' PJM ELITE'

PJM rhododendrons are a group of hybrid, broadleaf evergreen shrubs in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that were developed by Peter J. Mezitt and his son in the 1930s to be exceptionally winter hardy. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree.

Growing 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, these rhododendrons prefer partial shade and protection from strong winds. They grow well in moist, acidic soils but do not like wet feet. If you have clay soil, amend it with organic material and plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering.  This plant is resistant to browsing by rabbits.

As with all members of the genus, PJM rhododendrons are perfect as mass plantings in woodland or natural areas and specimens in pollinator gardens. Their green foliage acquires purple tones in winter, making them a wonderful addition to a winter garden. They also make a great informal hedge plant.  

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry) is a compact, woody shrub with arching, slender, zig-zag branches bearing a single, sharp spine at each node below each rosette of leaves. The wedge-shaped leaves are untoothed, slightly blue-green to green to dark reddish purple, and borne in whorls or clusters. Some Japanese Barberry cultivars are spectacular additions to the landscape where they bring a strong color accent from spring to fall. Tiny, scented, pale yellow flowers appear in mid-late spring, but are insignificant in comparison to the beauty of the foliage. They grow in drooping clusters along the lower sides of the branches and are followed by an abundant crop of bright red berries in the fall. The fruits persist well into the winter. Attractive to birds, they often remain on the spiny stems after the leaves have fallen, therefore extending the season of interest of this ornamental shrub through the winter.

Berberis thunbergii is a popular ornamental plant and is present in gardens, parks, forests, and nature preserves. There are quite a few varieties used for ornamental purposes or as barrier plantings.

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' (Stonecrop)

Sedum rupestre 'Angelina' (Stonecrop) is a low-growing, mat-forming, evergreen perennial with a brilliant golden-yellow foliage of needle-like leaves, which turns copper-orange in winter. Sitting atop 8 in. (20 cm) upright stems, clusters of small, yellow, starry flowers appear in midsummer. Vigorous, Angelina' spreads quickly and can be used to create rivers of color in flower beds or as a cheerful groundcover. It is also wonderful spilling over rock walls and cascading from containers. Terrific for sunny areas with poor dry soil.

• Grows with a spreading and sprawling habit up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
• Best grown in full sun or partial shade, in poor to moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Too much shade will turn the bright yellow foliage lime green. Water occasionally once established. Protect from excessive winter wetness.
• Perfect for rock gardens, containers, as a groundcover , or edging plants.
• Virtually disease and pest free.
• Low maintenance, this Sedum forgives neglect!
• Propagate by softwood cuttings

Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific Ninebark)

Pacific Ninebark

Fast-growing, Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific Ninebark) is a dense deciduous shrub with an exquisite vase shape and incredibly decorative exfoliating bark. Profuse white flowers, with five petals and many red-tipped stamens, appear in dense, rounded clusters, 3-5 in. wide (7-12 cm), in late spring to mid summer. They give way to drooping clusters of glossy red pods which turn brown and then splits open to release their seeds. Rich in nectar, the blossoms attract plenty of beneficial insects. The flowers contrast beautifully with the interesting maple-like foliage of green lobed leaves, which warms up to intense red to subtle rose-brown in the fall. Hidden by the foliage during the growing season, the bark is revealed in all its splendor later in the season, peeling in long irregular strips to display layers of reddish to light brown inner bark, providing winter interest. Providing good shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, Pacific Ninebark is a splendid screening and hedge plant. Its extensive root system is also useful for retaining soil on slopes.

• Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall and wide (150-300 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moderately fertile, humus-rich, slightly acidic, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Can become drought tolerant.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or planted in groups. Great for mixed shrub borders, hedges and screens or banks and slopes.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
• May be cut back in winter to rejuvenate and encourage vigorous leaf production in spring.
• Propagate by seed or stem cuttings. 2-3 months stratification may improve germination.
• Prune as required immediately after bloom
• Native to western North America from southern Alaska east to Montana and Utah, and south to central California.

Smilacina racemosa

A native of the Pacific Northwest, this clump-forming perennial looks great in the garden. Smilacina racemosa has a graceful architectural appearance: Its strong, slightly arching stems have deep green alternating leaves with strong parallel veins running up to the tip. Plume-like clusters of small, white flowers-make sure to enjoy their unexpected rose fragrance-crown this perennial in mid-spring. By late summer appear showy, round red berries that are sometimes spotted with purple. False Solomon's seal is drought tolerant and grows well in dry, shady locations. It is natural for the woodland garden and great in combination with rhododendrons, sword fern, Cascade Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa), hostas, and lily-of-the-valley shrubs (Pieris).