Sweet Woodruff—A very quick spreader, the bright green leaves are formed in rings up the stems of this plant.  Very small white flowers also appear early summer and last for quite a long time.  This plant must be thought about before planting, as once it is planted is does take ‘persistence’ to remove it again completely.

Chameleon Plant—Called Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ in Latin, this vigorous grower can thrive in wet conditions beside a natural pond or stream, or in a flowerbed with mulch.  Its heart-shaped leaves are a greenish-blue with cream stems.  It grows 6” - 12” tall in full-sun or shade locations and is hardy to zone 4.

Burro’s Tail —A great conversational plant, grey rosettes continue to grow longer and longer as the season progresses, trailing along the ground as they go.  Tiny clusters of inconspicuous yellow flowers are formed on the very end of the rosette.  Hard to transplant when they are long, it is better to split the clump early in the spring before they have put forth substantial growth, or take cuttings and root them in moist soil less mix during the growing season.  They do not like to be transplanted, so thought must be taken in choosing what location to plant them in.

Golden Carpet Sedum—Growing only one inch tall and very tightly together forming a mat, this plant spreads readily but is very easily controlled.  Flowering throughout the summer with brilliant yellow little stars, this plant is worth any spot in the garden, as only a limited number of perennials flower so hard for so long.  This plant is so forgiving and easy to propagate; simply remove a section and plant where wanted or even easier still, break off pieces and press them into the ground with your foot!  This plant can also handle heavy traffic over top of it.

Dragon’s Blood Sedum—Thick reddish leaves trail to make wonderful mats along any rockery.  Showy light red flowers appear in the summer making the total height of this plant six inches tall. 

 

These are only a few of the many varieties offered by growers.  Well tilled soil, a small amount of fertilizer or compost and water are the only necessities to having great coverage in the first season, and where the grass isn’t wanted or where a very low maintenance flower garden is required.

Pilchuck Pollinator