Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa)

Bishop's Hat (Epimedium x versicolor 'Neosulphureum')

Cascade Oregon Grape (Mahonia nervosa)

Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus 'Grace')

Variegated Gladwin Iris (Iris foetidissima 'Variegata')

Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum 'King Edward VII) and Large Mediterranean Spurge (Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii)

Purple Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens')

Angelina Sedum (Sedum rupestre 'Angelina')

Siberian Cypress (Microbiota decussata)

Our native Sword Fern is one of the most reliable and tough, yet beautiful, plants for the garden. It is well adapted to compete with the roots of mature trees, and thrive in our typical wet winters and dry summers.

This is another PNW native plant that is well adapted to our wet winters and dry summers. False Solomon's Seal has white plumes in spring, and bright red berries in late summer. It is a wonderful companion for ferns and low groundcovers like Vancouveria or Epimedium.

This drought tolerant, evergreen groundcover has delicate yellow flowers and bronzy new leaves in spring and looks good year around. It spreads slowly and reliably, but is not invasive.

This low-growing native ground cover is a wonderful companion for ferns, Salal and other natives. It has bright yellow flowers in spring, and blue berries in late summer.

The lush purple leaves of this shrub is a wonderful backdrop for grasses, perennials and smaller shrubs.

I love this variegated exclamation point in the garden. It is lush and green even through the winter.

In the photo, the bright pink blossoms of the currant blossoms stand out against the charteuse blossoms of the spurge. They bloom at the same time in early spring.

Purple Sage ties in very well with grasses and Sedums in the dry garden. It requires good drainage during our wet winters.

Angelina Sedum brings a splash of brilliant gold into the garden. Although flowers are always welcome, foliage can be a longer lasting source of seasonal color. This sedum spreads aggressively, so needs to be given room.

Siberian Cypress makes a graceful, low-growing, evergreen groundcover. It turns a lovely plum color in winter.