The Charles Rose, part of the Explorer series, is a variety of hardy Canadian shrub rose, developed for cold climates and disease resistance. It produces clusters of semi-double, soft pink flowers that bloom repeatedly from early summer to frost. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This rose is used ornamentally in hedges, borders, and mass plantings, valued for its long bloom period and low-maintenance care. Its blooms attract pollinators and are excellent for cutting.

Japanese Lantern is a perennial known for its bright orange papery seed pods that resemble lanterns, appearing in late summer to fall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. While highly ornamental in dried arrangements, the unripe berries and leaves are toxic. Related to edible ground cherries, its ripe fruits are edible in moderation but should be harvested cautiously.

Johnson’s Blue is a hardy, mounding perennial with deeply cut leaves and clear blue, saucer-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring into summer. A hybrid of hardy geraniums, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Used in borders, cottage gardens, and as ground cover, it’s valued for its long bloom time and reliable performance. Its foliage may turn red in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

A part of the Parkland Series, the Adelaide Hoodless rose is a hardy shrub rose, known for its vibrant red blooms and disease resistance. This rose is a member of the Parkland series and is named after the founder of the Women’s Institute, Adelaide Hunter. It is a hardy rose suitable for colder climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. 

Bearded Irises are hardy perennials native to the Mediterranean region. They produce elegant, ruffled flowers in a wide range of colors atop sword-like foliage, typically blooming in late spring. The name refers to the fuzzy "beard" on their lower petals. Bearded irises thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and benefit from division every few years. Used in borders and cutting gardens, they are also valued for their rhizomes, which have historically been used in perfumery (orris root).

African Daisies are sun-loving annuals or tender perennials native to South Africa, prized for their daisy-like blooms in vibrant shades of white, pink, orange, yellow, and purple, often with contrasting centers. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming profusely from late spring through fall. Used in borders, containers, and mass plantings, African daisies attract pollinators and are drought-tolerant once established.

Black-Eyed Susan is a popular North American wildflower with golden yellow petals surrounding a dark brown central cone. It blooms from summer to fall and thrives in full sun and a variety of soils. Black-Eyed Susans are used ornamentally in borders, meadows, and pollinator gardens. They attract bees and butterflies and are tolerant of drought and poor soil. Native peoples used them medicinally for treating colds and wounds.

Butterfly Plant, also known as Butterfly Weed, is a native perennial known for its clusters of bright orange flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. It thrives in full sun and dry, sandy soil and is a magnet for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. A member of the milkweed family, it’s also used in native restoration plantings. Historically, it was used by Indigenous peoples for respiratory ailments.

Nasturtium is a trailing annual with bright red, orange, or yellow funnel-shaped flowers and rounded leaves. It prefers full sun and poor to average, well-drained soil. Easy to grow, nasturtiums are edible—both leaves and flowers have a peppery flavor—and are used in salads and garnishes. They also deter pests and are excellent companions in vegetable gardens.

Woolly Yarrow is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial with silvery, fuzzy leaves and bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in early summer. Native to Europe, it thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Ideal for rock gardens and edging, it is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Like common yarrow, it has historical medicinal uses, including as an astringent and wound treatment. Allium

Alliums are ornamental or edible bulbous plants in the onion family. They produce spherical or starburst flower heads in purple, white, or pink, blooming in spring or early summer. Hardy and deer-resistant, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Edible types include onions, garlic, and chives, while ornamental alliums are used in perennial beds for vertical and architectural interest. Many also deter garden pests.

Catmint is a mounding perennial with gray-green foliage and spikes of small lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Catmint is deer-resistant, attracts pollinators, and is often used in borders and herb gardens. It has calming herbal uses similar to catnip but is more ornamental.

Checkered Mallow is a native North American wildflower with hibiscus-like pink to lavender blooms and lobed leaves. Blooming in summer, it grows in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s ideal for prairie gardens and wildflower meadows and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some mallow species have traditional medicinal uses, primarily for soothing inflammation.

Garden Cosmos is an annual with airy foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and maroon. It thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil and blooms from summer into fall. Cosmos are ideal for wildflower gardens and borders, attracting butterflies and bees. While not typically used medicinally, they are easy to grow and excellent for cut flowers.

Sea Holly is a striking perennial known for its spiny, silvery-blue foliage and cone-shaped flowers surrounded by metallic blue bracts. Blooming in summer, it thrives in full sun and dry, sandy soil. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and used ornamentally in borders and dried flower arrangements. Historically, some species were used for treating snake bites.

Baby’s Breath is a perennial native to Europe and Asia, known for its airy clouds of tiny white or pale pink flowers on thin, branching stems. It blooms in summer and prefers full sun and well-drained, alkaline soil. Commonly used as a filler in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried, it’s popular in weddings and bouquets. In the garden, it adds a soft texture to borders and rock gardens. The variety in the Morgan garden is white, while the ones in the Station Gardens are pink.

Artemisia includes aromatic perennials and shrubs like wormwood and silver mound, known for their silvery-gray foliage and drought tolerance. They thrive in full sun and poor, well-drained soil. Often used as accents in borders and dry gardens, they repel pests and are deer-resistant. Medicinally, some species (like A. absinthium) have been used to treat digestive issues and are the source of absinthe. 

Delphiniums are tall, stately perennials known for their vibrant spires of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, they thrive in full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and benefit from staking to support their height. Delphiniums are popular in cottage and cutting gardens, attracting bees and butterflies, but all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

The Harebell is a delicate perennial with thin stems and nodding, bell-shaped blue to violet flowers. Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, it blooms from summer to early fall and prefers full sun to light shade and dry, well-drained soil. It is used ornamentally in wildflower and rock gardens and is important for supporting bees and other native pollinators.