Common name: Chocolate Ruffles Coral Bells
Botanical name: Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles'

This perennial will grow to about 3' tall and 2' wide. It has dark, chocolate-colored, rounded, deeply cut leaves that change to purple with age. Is evergreen in warm winter climates. Tiny, white flowers appear on thin wiry stalks above the foliage in late spring and early summer. This clumping plant tolerates full sun in coastal areas but will appreciate afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It does best in well draining, fertile, moist soil. Mulch plant well in cold winter areas. Looks great in woodland gardens, in mass, and in borders. Established plants tolerate heat, humidity and drought.

Common name: Honey Bush
Botanical name: Melianthus major

Melianthus major is an evergreen shrub. It is a soft-wooded plant of rapid growth to 12'-14'. It has a boldly patterned foliage with grayish green leaves of 1' long, divided into 9-11 strongly toothed leaflets. Foliage smells disagreeable when brushed or bruised. Foot-long spikes of reddish brown, 1" flowers appear in late winter, early spring.

Common name: Sweet Violet
Botanical name: Viola odorata

Violas, also known as pansies or johnny jump-ups, are native wild violets that have been improved upon in a myriad of ways. In addition to a wider variety of colors, violas are available with different bloom times and sizes, as well as improved temperature hardiness. These beauties are so popular, they serve as the state flowers for no less than four states--Illinois, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Rhode Island. All are fragrant, deer resistant and quite easy to grow.

Common name: Lily of the Nile
Botanical name: Agapanthus hybrids

This evergreen perennial will grow about 3' tall and has long green leaves with blue flowers (there is a white variety and dwarf varieties) that bloom in spring and summer, rising above the foliage. It will grow in all soils but prefers loam soil. It does best in full to part sun with regular watering and more during hot spells. It tolerates coastal areas.