Common name:Cushion Bush
Botanical name:Leucophyta brownii

Cushion Bush is a low mounding shrub that grows 1-3' tall and 2-3' wide. It has tiny, narrow, silver green foliage that makes it an outstanding accent plant. Tiny yellow flowers appear on the end of the stems in spring and summer. This plant does well in full to part sun with minimal water. It tolerates coastal and windy conditions well. If regularly pruned, this shrub will maintain its density and longevity. It does best in well draining soil. Be careful not to overwater.

Common name:Ascot Rainbow Spurge
Botanical name:Euphorbia x martinii 'Ascot Rainbow'

Ascot Rainbow Spourge has narrow, grey-green leaves have a striking yellow edge. The foliage is topped by clusters of variegated cream, lime, and green flowers (bracts) in spring. In the cooler months, the foliage at the ends of the stems becomes flushed with shades of red, pink, and orange. In our location near Lake Michigan where summer temperatures are a bit cooler, a bit of the pink coloring remained all summer long. We did not observe any reversion in our trials. This plant would make a fabulous specimen in a brightly colored patio container and will undoubtedly add flair to the garden. As an added bonus, it is highly heat and drought tolerant.

Common name:Magenta Magic Spanish Bayonet
Botanical name:Yucca aloifolia 'Magenta Magic'

Spiky upright lustrous mauve leaves make a dramatic garden statement! Reaching only 2-3’ tall and wide, this accidental sport of Yucca ‘Blue Boy’ is a natural dwarf variety with dark evergreen foliage that deepen to purplish mauve in cooler temperatures. 2-3’ tall spikes of white nodding flowers shoot above the foliage in late Winter on mature plants. Berries follow, much loved by birds, but ignored by deer. Tough and durable, it can take heat, dry conditions and a fair amount of neglect. Makes a dramatic statement when planted en masse and combines well with other dry garden denizens. An excellent container plant. Plant in well-drained soil.

Common name:Golden Oregano
Botanical name:Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

This attractive perennial is used as a ground cover since it reaches 1' high and spreads 1.5'. This plant prefers full sun in mild climates but will appreciate afternoon shade in hot summer areas. It does best in well draining, dry, sandy soil. This is the oregano herb plant with yellow green, aromatic, oval leaves. Tiny, pink/purple flowers rise above the foliage in summer on spikes but are considered insignificant. Leaves have culinary uses.

Common name:Chocolate Mint Scented Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium 'Chocolate Mint'

An attractive perennial from So. Africa that cascades and spreads up to 4' and growing 2' tall. Winter foliage is soft, pale green with maroon splotches around the veins, then changing to dark green leaves by summer. Smells of mint, not chocolate. It does best in full sun with regular watering in warm inland valleys. In coastal areas, minimum irrigation is needed. In spring and early summer, pale lavender flowers with reddish centers appear. Use in containers or edging along pathways. Use leaves for cooking or create a fragrant bouquet.