I always have loved the architecture of Hebes, but my green thumb turned black whenever I tried to keep one looking good. Until, that is, I discovered ‘Quick Silver’. As you can see, it has very small leaves, and a sprawling, open habit. It started small, but has now spread to cover most of this gravel berm. Other plants grow through it here and there, and the gravel and river rocks are still visible between the branches.

As the buds swell (a few have burst), this unidentified aster is at its peak of perfection…a froth of green.

Seeing it from this angle, the delicacy of the foliage is more evident.

Persicaria ‘Red Dragon” spends the summer dressed in plummy shades of purple. Only now does it begin to earn its name.

Euphorbia ‘Persian Velvet’ is denser and, well, velvetier than wulfenii, and about half the size.

It also holds its shape year-round.

Lonicera nitida ‘Lemon Beauty’ is a common plant for a reason. Supremely hardy and fast growing, it also is easily propagated, giving me a shot at the repetition I was awed by in my last three posts.

Up close, the tiny striped leaves reveal the secret to the glowing effect it projects from a distance.

I like the color contrast of pairing it with Berberis thunbergii pupureum. Verging on the “small leaf syndrome” dreaded by Frances, I threw in some grasses, a dogwood and some other departures for textural interest.

Finally, Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan Sugi’ stands alone. I have been toying with the idea of creating a bed around her, but hesitate to detract from the way she stands out against the dark background of cedars. The deer had a go at destroying our dear Sugi, so that explains the naked bottom section.

Foliage gets its due each month on the day after Bloom Day. Don’t go by me…I am a day late. This was Pam’s brainstorm, and you can see more by clicking here. Scroll down to her Sept. 16 post, and you will find treasure. Go to the comments on that post to find even more.