Mulberry Creek Herb Farm

Aeonium, Tricolor

Aeonium haworthii 'Variegatum'


Add a bold texture and color to your strawberry jar with 3 inch rosettes of glorious green and white striped foliage. In the north, at seasons end, simply cut off some end rosettes (or dig up entire plant) & stick in a sandy mix for carefree houseplants.

Aeonium, Voodoo

Aeonium x 'Voodoo


When about 2 dozen, green centered, purple edged, fleshy lobes compete to form a 12 inch rosette, this assertive succulent demands its place as a dramatic focal point in a tropical or African themed mixed container. Be sure to seek out a sophisticated vase to match, so you can enjoy it indoors in the winter as well. It is important not to allow any one branch to grow more than 6-12"" as this will result in flowering and eventual death. Jar-Gem TM standout!

Agastache, Apricot Sprite

Agastache aurantiaca
Try this for your next salad: mixed greens, ripe nectarines (or mandarin oranges), toasted walnuts, “Purple Ruffles Basil” and these subtle citrus/anise, bright orange and yellow flowers. Dress with a fruity viniagrette. Not only tasty, there’s the silver foliage and stocky 18” height to admire. Add extra color to the herb garden or even large mixed containers.

Agastache, Mexican Giant

Agastache mexicana


Guilt free candy straight from the garden. The ladies helping us could not resist popping pink petals of sweet, lemon-mint into their mouths. Imagine pink confetti over cantaloupe or the lemony leaves in your child’s tea - a great start for an afternoon tea party.

Agastache, Sunset or Rootbeer Hyssop

Agastache rupestris
We first saw this delicate, cool summer beauty in Seattle labeled ""Root Beer Plant. This caught our attention, as we have the same common name on a different plant. While not as strongly scented as our Root Beer Plant (Piper auritum), it's fragrance lingers all summer from apricot-pink flowers hovering above finely cut gray foliage. Has definite tea possibilities.

Agastache- Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum


Lavender purple spikes, July through September, are cut fresh or dried for flower arrangements, while anise flavored leaves & flowers make a nice summer tea. Easily grown hardy perennial, but, reseeds if flowers are not removed quickly, which isn't always bad.

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbarensis
Forget the drug store skin care. Reach for a succulent tip off this medicinal and squeeze out a thick, cooling gell proven to heal burns, minor skin abrasions and rough garden hands. This is a premium medicinal variety, organically grown, originally from the world's largest Aloe grower. Here in Ohio, we plant it in the ground about June 1st and it doubles in size by the end of the summer with nice blue-green spiny leaves, rich in many more ""miracle"" properties than I have room to list here.

Aloe Vera 3-5 YEAR OLD

Aloe barbarensis
Forget the drug store skin care. Reach for a succulent tip off this medicinal and squeeze out a thick, cooling gell proven to heal burns, minor skin abrasions and rough garden hands. This is a premium medicinal variety, organically grown, originally from the world's largest Aloe grower. Here in Ohio, we plant it in the ground about June 1st and it doubles in size by the end of the summer with nice blue-green spiny leaves, rich in many more ""miracle"" properties than I have room to list here.

Aloe Vera 5”

Aloe barbarensis
Forget the drug store skin care. Reach for a succulent tip off this medicinal and squeeze out a thick, cooling gell proven to heal burns, minor skin abrasions and rough garden hands. This is a premium medicinal variety, organically grown, originally from the world's largest Aloe grower. Here in Ohio, we plant it in the ground about June 1st and it doubles in size by the end of the summer with nice blue-green spiny leaves, rich in many more ""miracle"" properties than I have room to list here.

Angelica

Angelica archangelica


If you desire the largest, boldest herb that you can grow in the shade or a 6 foot tropical for a wet area, consider Angelica. Seeds add a sweet, delicate flavor to soups and stews. Stems are easily candied or add several slivers to your favorite rhubarb recipe. Creamy yellow flowers produce long lasting seed heads followed by the death to the mother plant shortly thereafter.

Angelica, Korean

Angelica gigas


Unassertive, small leaves scream for this bold, dramatic foliaged neighbor for any shade area. Baseball sized purple clusters on 3' stalks form in 2-3 years, which I suggest you remove during their glory to prevent this herb's demise or the birth of 100 more. Leaf stalks can be candied. This ""Dong Quai herb"" makes a cozy Chinese tea and is a premiere female medicinal.

Basil, African Blue

Ocimum X `African Blue'
Excuse it's leggy nature in pots. Give it room in the garden. It transforms into a mound of dark green leaves with purple veins & flower spikes. Culinary quality of Opal Basil, although stronger, with a hint of sweet camphor. Go easy! Best basil for indoors. Born at Companion Plants, Athens, Ohio.

Basil, African Blue, Variegated

Ocimum X `Variegated African Blue'
Claude Monet might have wept upon seeing its pastel presentation of white, lime, and dark green leaves. Almost as vigorous growth as ""African Blue"" with slighty milder flavor. Breathtaking in the herb garden. Don't assume, you'll feel the same way about it on your plate. We received this marvelous mutation from Scott Kresge (Emily Mae Garden Shop in Pen Argyl, PA). Thank you, Scott!

Basil, Aussie Sweetie

Ocimum x citriodora 'Aussie Sweetie'
""Thanks for the Memories""For those of you who don't read the cultural requirements below, this one gets 3-4 feet tall! Susan describes it as ""One of the most complex basil aromas and the strongest. The first sniff is loaded with cinnamon & has the background of allspice and cloves. Pumpkin Pie spice comes to mind."" And may we add it's just as good in a Cincinnati style spagetti sauce. Identical to Richters' ""Lesbos Basil"".

Basil, Cinnamon

Ocimum basilicum `Cinnamon'




Green leaves with red veins and purple stems plus flowers from pink to purple, create such beauty, we'd grow it even if we couldn't flavor fruit, pancakes, and chili with its cinnamon touch.

Basil, Cuban

Ocumum basilicum 'Cuban'


It’s a perfect 1-1/2 foot globe of spicy basil flavor laced with a touch of mint. Mark admits to being disappointed initially with this variety, as it does not like a cool greenhouse, but man did it take off during the summer. We sheared it once in August and by October it still had not flowered. This was definitely the most frost tolerant of any basil we grew last year.

Basil, Pepper

Ocimum selloi
Can you imagine this on your next salad? - fresh leaves with the smell & taste of bell peppers and basil! Definitely the sturdiest as well as the most polished of basils. To have the best flavor, grow in filtered sunlight to afternoon shade, to keep leaves tender and delicious. Emerald green shiny leaves form the perfect background for reddish pink flowers that never stop. Quite cold hardy too! For years, Madelene Hill has been promoting this rare beauty. We now join her in proclaiming this a “Must-Have” herb. See Pepper Basil featured in HerbCompanion’s Feb/March 2004 issue.

Basil, Rick’s Aussie Purple

Ocimum x citriodora
New in 2006
Wavy, wine colored foliage much like 'Ebony Wonder' meets the tall columnar growth of 'Aussie Sweetie'. This will be Mark's 2006 topiary project, which, if half as pretty as 'Ausie Sweetie' topiaries, will surely grace many church weddings and elegant reception halls!

Bee Balm, Coral Reef

Monarda didyma 'Coral Reef'


Neon, coral pink flowers crescendo on top 2-1/2 to 3 feet tall stems, usually in July. Coming out of Morden Research Station, it's no surprise that it is also mildew resistant as are most new 'Monarda offerings.

Bee Balm, Jacob Cline

Monarda didyma

Improvements in bee balms always include an emphasis on ""Powdery Mildew,""a disease that's relatively harmless or at least controllable, but definitely unsightly. Siting ""Bee Balms"" in part sun but away from a North exposure, where the dew takes hours to dry in the morning, helps. So does choosing this very mildew resistant herb with huge red flowers and vigorous growth.

Bee Balm, Marshall Delight

Monarda didyma

You may wonder with all the fuss over mildew resistance, why even choose a ""Bee Balm."" One look at these rich pink, confetti flowers that just happen to add a sweetness, found in no other herb, and your next Summer fruit salad will seem naked without it. Don't panic that it's also resistant to ""Rust."" I'm telling you, it's well worth a try.

Bee Balm, Pink Petite Delight

Monarda x 'Petite Delight' PP#10784


You could stop at the dwarf (12 to 15 inch height) and be satisfied but this new lavender/pink 'Monarda' boasts mildew resistance as well. Shiny, deep green foliage offsets lavender pink summer explosions. I like to site these in morning sun but they could tolerate full sun in most areas of the U.S.

Blue-Eyed Grass, Devon Skies

Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Devon Skies'
New for 2009
Flanked at the base of a mini arbor, these 6""clumps, dressed up with ""look-at-me"" sky blue flowers, carry you away into a anti- super-sized kingdom, each time you give them a glance. Additionally, the sterile flowers have a very long bloom time - well into August which is when I was first drawn to them.

Blue-Eyed Grass, Dwarf Purple

Sisyrinchium angustifolium 'Lucerne'


I am not a grass at all, rather a fine leaved, dwarf, iris-like perennial with super long flowering time. There are species of this plant native to almost every continent yet it is relatively unknown in the garden. Very easy to grow and admire.

Borage, White

Borago officinalis 'Alba'




Harvest white flowers when young for an easy cucumber substitute. When are prickly or flowers have been open awhile, foliage is inedible and floral flavor compromised.

Butterflyweed \ Bloodflower

Asclepias curassavica


Irrepressible orange and red star flowers in 4” clusters caught customers' attention all summer. This easy to grow, South American species, is also a favorite of Monarch Butterflies in the garden or any large mixed container. We combined this with Sweet Potato `Blackie’ - WOW!

Butterflyweed \ Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa
One of the most important plants you can buy to help save the Monarch Butterfly and give yourself a beautiful, bright orange, hardy perennial simultaneously. The dried powdered roots can be decocted to make a powerful expectorant and when combined with Angelica archangelica was used to treat Pleurisy. Once established, it will not transplant well.

Butterflyweed, 'Gay Butterflies'

Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies'




Irrepressible orange and red star flowers in 4” clusters caught customers' attention all summer. This easy to grow, South American species, is also a favorite of Monarchs in the garden or any large mixed container. We combined this with Sweet Potato `Blackie’ - WOW!

Calamint, Alpine

Calamintha nepeta var. nepeta


The ideal perennial! Low maintenance,(i.e. no dead heading) with a perfect mound of delicate, sweet tasting, lilac-blue flowers that spoil us from June until after a fall freeze. It's true! Foliage has sweet minty fragrance, but it does not trespass like a mint. Essential as a faery garden plant.

Calendula, Alpha

Calendula officinalis 'Alpha'
Clear, bright blooms are easy to see but its chemistry suggests a high resin content, so admire it or infuse in oil for a healing skin preparation. There are many medicinal uses as well.

Calendula, Maayan

Calendula officinalis
Though it is Maayan, not Mexican, we'll add it to our herb fair garden this year for its flame colored flowers and brown centers that are as vibrant as they are medicinal. Many blooms exhibit twice the petals for a festive, ruffly appearance in the garden or in a vase.

Calendula, Resina

Calendula officinalis 'Resina'


HERB OF THE YEAR 2008 Healing skin & lip salves, Easter eggs and wool dyes, antiseptic tinctures and salad embellishments can all feature Calendula flowers. Yellow blossoms are what you can expect from 'Resina' with a few orange blossoms with light centers.

Calocephalus, Cushion Bush

Calocephalus brownii


Plants like this silver foliaged tumble-weed separate the passionate collectors from those with a casual interest in unique plants. It's easier to tell that it's alive vs. say the ""Skeleton Plant"", I give it that. Still, it's such a great contrast with its linear, jointed form that I really shouldn't belittle it.

Catmint, Creeping

Nepeta mussini (faassenii)


Our #1 recommended hardy perennial to plant under and in between roses. Small white-gray, fine toothed leaves form a 2 feet wide by 12"" high PERFECT mound, covered with blue flowers in June and occasionally in the fall. Although stronger and more pleasantly fragrant than common catnip, it doesn't attract any of our neighborhood cats, so it remains untouched. Plant several together in rock gardens, to take advantage of the relaxing, swaying ocean of rare, soft blue color.

Catmint, Six Hills Giant

Nepeta x 'Six Hills Giant'


This is ""Creeping Catmint"" on steroids! 2 1/2' mounds of sky blue flowers, make a dramatic show planted between delphiniums, foxgloves, and other spikes.

Chamomile, Double Roman

Chamaemelum nobile `Flore Pleno'


The vaguely ""Granny Smith"" apple scented foliage forms a low growing groundcover which spreads slowly. Double daisy like flowers emerge, the groundwork for an almost maintenance free herb lawn, once established. Perfect for cracks between stepping stones. It has been consistently hardy for us. Has all the same uses as regular “Roman Chamomile” but is shorter and will not re-seed everywhere.

Chives, Curly

Allium senescens var. `Glaucum'



You have to see this quirky, miniature, curly, blue-leaved ""Allium"" for yourself. It is too sweet for rock gardens or small pockets. 2"" baby pink blossoms flirt with bees on top of 3-4"" stalks in June or July. Should be sprinkled sparingly due to a strong onion flavor.

Chives, Garlic

Allium tuberosa


Imagine: pristine, tall, white, 2"" globe, flower clusters in August. Also called ""Flat leaf Chives"" for their wider leaves; Add a mild garlic flavor, by simply sprinkling bits of flowers over chicken, Caesar salad, omelets and bread. I mean what doesn't need a dash of garlic?

Cinquefoil, Yellow Creeping

Potentilla neumanniana
Everyone has seen the overused ""Potentilla"" in a landscape but imagine a petite version. The bright yellow 3/8"" single rose flowers reveal it's membership in the rose family. Because it is a slow spreading groundcover, it's an icon in our winter windowsill gardens with a rosemary tree and a lemon thyme.

Coleus, Mini Red-Leaf

Coleus x 'Cantigny Royale'


In autumn, there are few rivals to this red maple tree mimic in a miniature railroad or landscape due to its dark red, 1"" leaves. While it is a ""Coleus,"" by the time it matures into a 12"" form, it can easily be trained into the shape of a mini tree.

Columbine, Faerie

Aquilegia flabellata 'Cameo'
Like ""Little Lanterns Columbine"", the flowers are almost standard sized, however, the height is shrunk to about 3"" tall, one of the smallest known cultivars. This is a mixture of different flower colors, that rise no more than 3 or 4 inches and will slowly re-seed themselves around the garden. As columbines go, these are long lived and cute!

Columbine, Little Lanterns

Aquilegia canadensis 'Little Lanterns'


This delicate, literally 1/2 sized version of our native eastern Columbine blooms in its second year. Lucky for you, we've grown them for over 12 months, so these should flower for you this summer with reds and yellows about the size of native Columbine on 10"" stems.

Coprosma, Benton's Gold

Coprosma X kirkii 'Benton's Gold'


Gold and green blotched, spoon-shaped foliage suggests the name for this mini, tropical, woody tree. Its gray trunk is particularly interesting for bonsai enthusiasts. Great little plant from New Zealand.

Cuban Oregano, Compact Grey

Plectranthus sp


Survivor Series: A favorite cooking variety of the local Puerto Rican community; Leaves look just like our ""Vick's Plant,"" except they are more gray and stems are very compact, forming a mound (as opposed to long and trailing), however the flavor is more minty-oregano & the scent, less ""Vapor Rub.

Cuban Oregano, Golden Ruffle

Plectranthus (Coleus) amboinicus 'Golden Ruffles'


How about a “Survivor” for the shade? In fact, that’s where it’ll produce the best color. Much like the “Variegated,” but, with a warmer gold and green variegation and scalloped edged, thick leaves that “wave like a football stadium cheer.” (Mark,-the king of bad metaphors) More ornamental, than flavorful, which must’ve been lost during the selection process.

Cuban Oregano, Marble Ruffles

Plectranthus marginata 'Fosteri' sport
Another ""survivor"" boasting dark green & chartreuse leaves, scalloped edges and a minty-oregano flavor, like Golden Ruffles. However, the color holds up to full sun. Actually shimmers as a groundcover carpet with red coleus growing up through it. Make a terrific ""Survivor Series"" basket by combining it with any of the Ice Plants and Society Garlic"".

Cuban Oregano, Variegated

Plectranthus (Coleus) ambionicus
One of the best basket plants we've ever grown: it is hard to kill and tasty too! We admit it. We'd forget to water our own baskets on the porch for a week, but it was no problem. Use fresh in Mexican cooking as you would oregano. Break apart a large fleshy leaf and add to a chicken salad along with pineapple sage. The green and white variegation is a joy to use in the landscape, mixed container, moss basket or as groundcover. Makes great sunny window houseplant.

Curry Plant

Helichrysum italicum (angustifolia)


Ornamental narrow gray leaves adorn this upright growing plant. We got it because it smells great, but it's at home as a white foliage feature in our moonlight garden. Has tiny bright yellow buds from July to September. Delightful curry scent, but don't confuse it with curry powder: a blend of cumin, turmeric, & assorted Mid-East spices. One of our retail customers uses it to flavor vinegar.

Curry Plant, Dwarf

Helichrysum italicum microphyllum
A true miniature form of ""Curry Plant"", which is perfect for miniature container gardens, bonsai, and rockeries. Tiny, short needled leaves are easily pruned into mini hedges. Know someone with an outdoor model railroad? What a darling, fragrant addition!

Delphinium, Dwarf Electric Blue

Delphinium grandiflorum 'Blue Butterfly'
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Picture electric blue butterflies dancing in your flower beds, altitude 1 foot high! Grown for 7 years in upright, unearthed, land tiles at the entrance to the greenhouse, it never fails to stop customers in their tracks. Re-blooms throughout the growing season. Will re-seed sparingly for years of enjoyment. Longer life than its taller delphinium cousins.

Dianthus, Grey Stone

Dianthus simulans


The foliage is so tiny and compact, that this Dianthus, as the name implies, appears as a blueish-gray rock that (not) only a collector could love. Super hardy with well drained soil. Occasionally surprises us with pink spring flowers.

Dianthus, Tiny Rubies

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Tiny Rubies'


Commonly grown alpine because of it's easy culture. Bright ruby-pink faerie flowers smother the bluish grass foliage in spring. Can eventually form a 2 foot across mat.

Dill, Gold Crown

Anethum graveolens 'Goldkrone'
Make room for this old-fashioned sized dill “weighing in” at 40 inches tall with the modern touch of later blooms, giving you plenty of time for harvesting the foliage. You can also just let it be, stand back and admire the grand display. This is not a meek dill.

Double Daisy, Red

Bellis perennis 'Rominette Red'


These are the red, double english daisies that were carefully illustrated along with the faeries of Cicely Mary Barker. Each spring, 3-4"" mounds of dark green leaves appear followed by 6"" tall, double red daisy flowers during the summer. Divide and share every other year to prevent rotting.

DWARF CONIFER- White Cedar, Top Point

Chamaecyparis thyoides 'Top Point'


Tired of ""Alberta Spruce"" christmas trees? This true dwarf form adapts to average, moist soils and offers bright green needled leaves.

Echeveria, Perle Von Nurnberg

Echeveria x 'Perle von Nurnberg'


Succulent, antique red leaves (pads) are gathered into beautiful rosettes. When we put together combinations in strawberry jars, I appreciate the larger leaves and warm red color against the cascading ""Ice Plants,"" and tufts of ""Drabas."" White flower stalks enter each Spring.

Echeveria, Perle Von Nurnberg 5 in.

Echeveria x 'Perle von Nurnberg'


Succulent, antique red, broad leaves (pads) are gathered into beautiful rosettes. When we put together combinations in strawberry jars, I appreciate the larger leaves and warm red color against the cascading ""Ice Plants,"" and tufts of ""Drabas."" White/pink flower stalks enter each spring.

Echeveria, Queen Mother's 5 in.

Echeveria pulvinata


A gift from Mary, a customer of ours who “acquired” it from the Queen Mother’s personal garden. We love it since it blooms from Christmas through April, indoors. Flowers last for weeks, especially when held in a cool- cold window. Great plant for small containers on a hot sunny deck which should be brought indoors when your overcoat comes out in the fall.

Echeveria, Topsy Turvy

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy'


Got a friend with a black thumb? Encourage them to try Echeverias. This one is particularly interesting. In Ohio, we bring them indoors, find a sunny spot, neglect the watering and we're rewarded with wavy blue rosettes now and orange-red, bell flowers hung from sheperd hook flower stalks each Summer, after we kick them out. Plant in terra cotta pots or strawberries jars to bring out their flower color even more.

Echeveria, Topsy Turvy 5 in.

Echeveria 'Topsy Turvy'


Got a friend with a black thumb? Encourage them to try Echeverias. This one is particularly interesting. In Ohio, we bring them indoors, find a sunny spot, neglect the watering and we're rewarded with wavy blue rosettes now and orange-red, bell flowers hung from sheperd hook flower stalks each Summer, after we kick them out. Plant in terra cotta pots or strawberries jars to bring out their flower color even more.

Echinacea, Purple

Echinacea purpurea


We chose this herb as part of our logo because of its beauty and multiple use: the quintessential herb. 4"" large, purple, daisy shaped blossoms are held upright on sturdy stems. ""Echinacea,"" is one of America's favorite medicinal herbs for the colds and flu. You can imagine my face when Mark pointed to the newly purchased Vodka saying "" It's for medicinal purposes,"" but he wasn't kidding. He made a tincture by stuffing a canning jar with coneflower leaves and filled it with 100 proof Vodka. We placed it in the closet and shook it daily for two weeks. Tasted awful, but seemed to work for us and we take it by the dropperful. We use it ONLY at the onset of symptoms, or when we're exposed to ""snotty"" folks, then we quit taking it, within 3 weeks. Pick leaves before it flowers and harvest flowers in their peak. Some folks believe the roots are the most therapeutic, but we've used all parts, in their prime.

Echinacea, Tennessee

Echinacea tennesseensis
This Echinacea does not stop flowering. We predict that this species, which was almost dug to extinction, (and was placed on the National Endangered Species list) will become one of America's most popular flowering perennials. What a great medicinal herb too. It is similar to Echinacea angustifolia in its medicinal chemistry. Smaller flowers than other ""Purple Coneflowers"", but the petals on this variety turn upright and are darker purple rather than droopy and washed out.

Elderberry, Black

Sambucus canadensis
This hardy small tree is loaded with 5"" white flower clusters in early summer which turn into small black tasty berries, rich in Vitamin C and used to make wine, jelly, and pies. Flowers can be used in a tea for colds, as a face wash, or battered and deep fried. Leaves can comfort minor bruises. Berries are best in pies (See our recipe) and immune building syrups, especially safe for children. The prime component of ""Sambucol"" (childrens' syrup) sold in health food stores.

ELFIN HERB

Cuphea hyssopifolia
Years ago Ben asked Mark, "What da name of dat pretty flower?" He told Ben who responded as any 3 year old would, "Why?" "Because," Mark said,"fairies like to use the flowers as pretty little hats and then elves, who like to play tricks, fly by and snatch the flowers right off the fairies' head and get them to chase the Elfin."

These are very easy plants to grow, thriving in full shade to partial sun. As well suited to mixed containers as bedding plants. After one growing season, you can create an amazing bonsai tree by simply removing the lower leaves. Faerie nice!

Elfin Herb, 5 in. Assorted

Cuphea hyssopifolia `Alba'
A radiant white version of other Elfin Herbs; Leaves are slightly darker and more narrow, and the entire plant is more compact. Tolerates both sun and shade better than ôPurple.ö Try it in a magical moon garden.P.S. Surely a faerie folk lengend by now.

Elfin Herb,Assorted Colors

Cuphea hyssopifolia 'Baby Pink'


As promised in 2003, here is a delicate ""pink"" version of the popular miniature tropicals that railroaders and faerie gardners admire. Like all of the ""Elfin Herbs"", it can grow as well in full shade or partial sun. However, flower color and quantity is better with at least some direct sun during the day. Great houseplant under some fluorescent lights for year round flowering!

Ephedra, Joint Fir

Ephedra refeliana


Sorry, but there is no buzz, or sinus relief from this dwarfed version. Instead you will enjoy its miniature ""Wild Horestail-like"" pipes, stacked on top of one another, with summertime red berries smothered in btween. Needs great drainage in winter.

Erigeron-Fleabane, Tiny

Erigeron scopalinus


We suggest you plant this ""Bellium/ Mini Daisy since it is strikingly similar in appearance, yet it blooms in the Fall, during mild Winters and Spring, which if the ""off season"" for ""Bellium."" That combination allows you to enjoy the white daisies nearly year round.

Erodium, Charm

Erodium chamaedryoides 'Charm'


As this is the largest of our Erodiums and most free blooming, it is easier to see the resemblance to perennial geraniums, its distant cousins. In this catalog where big isn't neccesarily better, there's still room for this in a railroad landscape, larger container or the edge of a perennial border.

Erodium, Double Rose

Erodium chamaedryoides 'Dark Eyes'


I spied it in a winter window-sill container with a rosemary tree and asked, ""Is that a true dwarf true geranium?"" ""Nope,"" Mark replied, ""but it is related"". Loves the same cultural conditions as rosemary (with a different texture), and rarely stops showing off its adorable bright pink, red streaked, fully double flowers. Hardy to only Zone 6 (with snow protection), it is ideal for indoor containers, flowering all winter.

Faerie Fern \ Brass Buttons

Leptinella (Cotula) squalida


A miniature looking creeping fern! Slightly felted, green, fern-like leaves creeping just under the soil to form a thick carpet with curious yellow ""Brass Buttons"" blooms. Ferns are a traditional Faerie Garden plant that symbolizes imagination. Superlative groundcover, even a lawn substitute, between stepping stones in loose shady areas.

Faerie Fern, Bronze

Leptinella perpusilla
A bronze colored version which looks like it was the parent to ""Platt's Black"", although I'm just guessing. I like this softly shimmering, lighter color of bronze that shows up better against dark soil, than ""Platt's Black.

Faerie Fern, Platt's Black

Letinella (Cotula) x 'Platt's Black'


Inch long, medium sized leaves are more dainty and finely textured than previous selections. Throw in some sunshine, they are jet black! In a little more shade they grow bicolored green with black tips. Grow over crushed white stone for best effect. Petite yellow buttons form in spring! We received an email that this plant's proper name is 'Platt's Black' after Kaila Platt, not 'Pratt's Black'. Once again we humbly apologize and shake our heads at the nursery industry for spreading bad names like rumors.

Faerie Fern, Tiny Tim

Letinella (Cotula) gruveri
If the leaves were any smaller, we'd throw in a free magnifying glass! It looks just like ""Faerie Fern, Mini"" with bright green, frilly leaves, only smaller. Perfect for railroad gardens and a child's mini landscape adorned with a set of dinosaurs.

Fennel, Bronze

Foeniculum vulgare `Bronze'


This beauty need not provide anything useful, but boy does it ever! Imagine fine feathery foliage with a bronze-red cast, tickling yellow hued ""Queen Anne Lace""-like flowers above. Does not produce a bulb but leaves and stems are tasty, finely chopped, added to salads, fish, and soups. A tea from the leaves or seeds eases our indigestion. After seeds begin to mature, cut entire stalks. Hang them upside down in a paper bag to finish ripen, and avoid self-seeding all over the garden.

Fern, Japanese Regal Red Painted

Athyrium niponicum 'Regal Red'


Most ferns enjoy various degrees of shade and this one's no exception. The light green, feathered foliage and plum blushed stems, veins and undersides wash out and may get crispy whenever it's sited in afternoon sun. Instead plant this improved “Perennial Plant of the Year” in light shade where only morning sun is welcome.

Fern, Korean Rock

Polystichum tsus-simense


Call it a miniature ""Boston Fern"" that's as comfortable as a houseplant as it is outdoors in the shade garden, year round, here. Small size and durablity lends itself to terrariums and shade gardnes even in southern Canada.

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium


Clusters of 1/2"" white daisy flowers reach 6"" above green, deeply lobed leaves that forms a 2 foot tall by 2' wide rosette. Customers have tried fresh leaves hidden in a mayonnaise sandwich (to mask bitterness) for reducing the severity & frequency of migraines.

Feverfew, Mini Pompom

Tanacetum parthenium 'Plenum Florum'


We love medicinal herbs which are exceptional. Just being among them, heals our soul. Lilliputian white ""pompoms"" adorn this charming herb early summer through fall. We grow it from cuttings to insure fully double flowers, which seed grown plants cannot reliably produce.

Foxglove, Garden Apricot

Digitalis purpurea 'Apricot'


Need a tall, stylish wind tolerant beauty in your garden? Well this is it. All three ""Garden"" Foxglove varieties put on a colorful summer show, and re-seed themselves loyally.

Foxglove, Herold’s Yellow

digitalis ferruginia `Gigantea Gelber Herold'


A true giant among the perennial foxgloves, it can reach 5 feet if grown in a rich, acid soil with good summer water. Gigantic, yellow flowers are not to be passed up either.

Foxglove, Pam’s Choice

Digitalis X 'Pam's Choice'


Huge white flowers with a maroon red spotted throat are a five alarm siren for any hummingbird in the area.

Foxglove, Silver Fox

Digitalis purpurea 'Heywoodii'


Tall, short-lived foxgloves, step aside. We’re tickled with this compact cultivar which endures year after year and picture this- woolly white hairs covering the foliage and soft pink, speckled flower balanced above.

Foxglove, Spanish Peaks

Digitalis thapsi
Toss out the stakes. Reach for this short, woolly gray leaved foxglove. 2"" purple-rose flowers have sweetly spotted throats. It flowers for about one month, in June, before other foxgloves and repeats in the fall for us. As a native of east Portugal & western Spain, it will tolerate a higher soil pH. The foxglove of faery gardens.

Geranium, Mini Red-Leaf

Geranium sessiliflorum ssp. nov. rubrum
Joshua would not describe this as firefighter engine red while Mark calls it a rich, red burgundy foliage. In any case, it's an utterly unique color and texture. Similar to a miniature, red leaved rhubarb plant, shrunk down to 3"" tall, with dwarfish, white flowers all summer and fall. A ladybug's patio umbrella.

Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys


Rose-pink flowers compliment this shiny border shrub. Also known as ""Poor Man's Boxwood,"" it is mandatory in any knot garden. A preferred bonsai candidate, since it takes pruning very well.

Haworthia- Faery Wash Board

Haworthia limifolia


Even faeries need to wash their clothes once in awhile, (check out the botanical name), and I bet these double as clothes dryers as well. Haworthias, although from the South African deserts, like shade from the hot afternoon sun. Their 4"" ""Easter Lily-like flower spikes"" reveal their place in the Lily family. Only way to dampen their spirits is by watering them too much.

Herniaria, Sea Foam Variegated

Herniaria glabra 'Sea Foam' PPAF
Walk-About, Mini Groundcover
Hardy Perennial (Zone 5-7 & S.W.)
New for 2007It may look like ""Thyme, Highland Cream"", but it actually thrives in our summer humidity and winter cold. We have been growing this for years, waiting for the patent permission to propagate it. Well worth the patience and good Karma, as this is sure to find its way into every groundcover marketing program in the nation. Remember you saw it here first.

Heuchera, Mini Chiquita

Heuchera X 'Chiquita'
Can there be a smaller Coral Bells and still be alive? We thank the folks at the breeder program out of Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens, for introducing these tough tiny wonders. Stock comes from 4000-6000 feet and should be quite hardy. Tiny 3/8ö leaves form a ground hugging mat no more than 1 inch high by 6 inches across that lie in the shadow of 4ö low white with pink flowers throughout the summer.

Hops, Golden

Humulus lupulus `Aureus'
CAN NOT SHIP TO WASHINGTON STATE.Young golden leaves mature to dark green, giving a two-tone appearance. Tiny hop blossoms are used for sleep pillows and pilsner-style beers. Site in afternoon shade to prevent sun scald. It forms into a thick climber hiding chain link fences. ‘Munstead Lavender, Dazzling Pink Chives and Golden Hops” created our most vivid trio of all.

Hops, Golden 2year

Humulus lupulus `Aureus'
CAN NOT SHIP TO WASHINGTON STATE.Young golden leaves mature to dark green, giving a two-tone appearance. Tiny hop blossoms are used for sleep pillows and pilsner-style beers. Site in afternoon shade to prevent sun scald. It forms into a thick climber hiding chain link fences. ‘Munstead Lavender, Dazzling Pink Chives and Golden Hops” created our most vivid trio of all.

Hops, Golden 2year

Humulus lupulus `Aureus'
CAN NOT SHIP TO WASHINGTON STATE.Young golden leaves mature to dark green, giving a two-tone appearance. Tiny hop blossoms are used for sleep pillows and pilsner-style beers. Site in afternoon shade to prevent sun scald. It forms into a thick climber hiding chain link fences. ‘Munstead Lavender, Dazzling Pink Chives and Golden Hops” created our most vivid trio of all.

Hosta, Baby Bunting

Hosta 'Baby Bunting'


This is a pocket-sized, green leaved variety, with foliage that appears ""mouse-eared."" The folded, heart-shaped, spring leaves are followed by mid summer lavender flowers. Cute as a baby's bum!

Hosta, Cookie Crumbs

Hosta x 'Cookie Crumbs'


Not to be confused with the larger 'Cracker crumbs,' this sweet hosta has dark green center with white trim on the margins. Flowers purple in June. Sounds good enough to eat- and, in fact, in Japan it is a popular sushi egg rolls.

Hosta, Cracker Crumbs

Hosta x 'Cracker Crumbs'


A ""Tiny Tears"" sport from Q ;Z Nursery with large creamy edges and gren striped center.

Hosta, Itsy Bitsy Spider

Hosta x 'Itsy Bitsy Spider'

Hosta, Peanut

Hosta 'Peanut'


Relatively small yet this multi-variegated white, gold and green streaked variety perks up shaded pockets with purple scapes in July.

Hosta, Shiny Tot

Hosta x 'Shiny Penny'


I've not heard of a legend connected to this hosta, but perhaps you could bring one to life for a child about 'Shiny Penny.' Examine the glossy green leaves with red spots on the stems, note the 2"" height, witness how nicely it spreads along shady garden edges or troughs and a ""tiny tale"" might come to mind.

Hosta, Tiny Venusta

Hosta venusta
Solid green tufts of 2 inch long leaves cuddle at the base, from which arise 6 inch tall stalks of purple flowers in the summer. Tougher and faster growing than Cat's Eye and also requires extra summer watering. Suitable companion of Faerie Ferns, Star Creepers, and Pearly Wire Vine and other faerie flora. This is not for the Southwest.

Hosta, X-Rated

Hosta 'X-Rated'


Add this long ""legged"" hosta to your collection of rounded leaves. 4"" x 1"" wide, rippled, white centered, green edged leaves put on a show all Summer climaxing with bright purple flowers in August. Sport of ""X-ray,"" by the way.