Green and white

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Soothing colors of green and white look fresh as the days turn hot in June.

Hosta albomarginata and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) get no respect from the horticultural community, but their tenacity in a difficult spot in my garden is much appreciated.

Bees adore the white racemes on the Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) but people love this shrub for its colorful fall foliage.

I once discovered a lush planting of goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) at a state park in Indiana. Last year, I bought two from Niche Gardens, but they struggled throughout our sultry summer. This spring, there is a lone survivor.

Hosta 'Francee' started life in a pot, but after a few years, she outgrew her home. I planted her in a hosta bed under a mature Japanese maple, a garden mistake. I rescued 'Francee' on her deathbed but she has made a fine recovery in a large pot under the dogwood

The small white flowers of the tall meadow rue (Thalictrum pubescens) are sweet, but this perennial is grown for the delicate foliage.

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