Sequoiadendron giganteum 'Pendulum' is an old cultivar of one of the largest and oldest trees in the world. Interest in the large tree prompted European growers to try to mass produce the species for their landscapes. Found in France in the 1860's, no two trees of this cultivar are the same. The cultivar is extremely variable, forming contorted, twisted shapes over time.

Hebe pinguifolia 'Sutherlandii', like most hebes, originally comes from New Zealand. Although hebes are generally not considered to be very cold hardy, 'Sutherlandii' is one of the most hardy, withstanding lows down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This short, rounded, well-kept shrub will grow to about 18" to 20" tall, forming half-spheres in the landscape

Not for the inexperienced gardener, Cypripedium tibeticum is a gorgeous, if finicky, orchid. Native to the mountain regions of China, Tibet, and perhaps India, it is fairly widespread, but affected by orchid hunters, habitat loss through deforestation, and hikers, who trample over their delicate roots. Live species collection is a growing concern, but this orchid (and others) can be propagated synthetically in agar, lessening the need for wild collection and potential species depletion in the wild.

Originally bred by the venerable English seed company, Thompson & Morgan, Apricot Sprite Agastache is a dwarf hybrid between Agastache coccinea and Agastache aurantiaca. Growing up to 24" high, this Agastache will mix well with other perennials and shrubs and will bloom profusely throughout the end of the summer and into the fall.

Japanese primroses are an easy, showy addition to any shade, wet space in your garden. Primula japonica is part of the larger section of the Primula genus called the "candelabra types." These "candelabra type" primroses are so-called because their beautiful blooms are held about 12-18" above the foliage. Native to Japan, the flowers come in a narrow range of hues from white to red. Some notable cultivates include "Miller's Crimson" and "Postford White."

Martagon lilies are a collection of species and hybrids that are well-suited for planting in a cottage-style part-shade or dappled shade garden. Introduced in 1921, this particular hyrbid is a lovely pale yellow and magenta, but other hybrids can be found in shades of pink, magenta, orange, and white. The flower stalks top out somewhere around four-feet and in early summer are covered by many sweet smelling flowers.