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In 1806, President Thomas Jefferson bought some real estate from France. The Louisiana Purchase involved a staggering 828,000 square miles – over half a billion acres, give or take.But nobody really knew what he had bought. Zillow was no help. So Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to do a two-year walk-through.Among the many marvels they found was a succulent-leaved perennial called “bitter root” by natives. A river and a mountain range bear that name still. The newcomer was named

Energy Efficient Early Perennials – Columbine “And the eagle flies with the dove.” – Stephen StillsYou know “cool crops” as a description of certain annuals that don’t need (or like) lots of heat to finish for spring sales. Well, it’s not just for annuals anymore. Pick the right early flowering perennials, and you can realize significant energy savings. If you like your benches full and your heating bills low, we’ve got the perfect perennials for you. Aquilegia is a prime early bloomer, a t

Energy Efficient Early GrassesNeed a way to keep your benches full and your heating bills low?   With the right crops, it’s a possible dream – even with grasses and perennials! If you like your benches full and your heating bills low, we’ve got the perfect cool season grasses for you. Calamagrostis xacutiflora“Feather reed grass” is a classic cool-season grass that thrives on warm days and easy-to-maintain night temperatures. We offer six varieties of this handsome, versatile species.‘Karl Foe

The “aster disaster” rocked the perennial world over 20 years ago when that venerable genus was torn asunder.Those darned taxonomists shipped all “New World” asters off to tongue-twisting new genera like Eurybia, Doellingeria and, in the case of our two favorites, Symphiotrichum.Many professionals snubbed the neologisms and kept right on calling them “asters.” That’s where you’ll find them in our catalog, with Symphiotrichum second. Because that’s where our customers look for them. By any name,

Few perennials are better known or more appreciated than the beautiful and talented Shasta daisy. Its cheerful white-petaled, gold-centered blooms brighten any sunny border. Varieties span a wide range including single, semi-double and fluffy double forms. Heights range from under a foot to over three feet. One of our favorites (and yours, too, judging by sales) is in the compact category. L. xs. ‘Snowcap’: This low-growing, uniform gem covers itself with large, lovely white single dai