Asarum caudatum (Western Wild Ginger)

Western Wild Ginger spreads by creeping rhizomes to create a beautiful carpet within a few years. While a strong spreader, it is not invasive. Deer resistant, its large leaves and low growth make it a magnificent groundcover to plant under shade-loving trees and shrubs. More drought tolerant than the other species, Asarum caudatum is also one of the few wild gingers that shows some slug resistance.

• Grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in average, neutral to acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Adaptable enough to thrive in sites that are wet in winter and in soils ranging from sandy to clay.
• Western Wild Ginger makes a great ground cover for shady areas of woodland gardens and is perfect for underplanting shrubs, edging, or containers.
• Virtually pest and disease free but keep an eye out for slugs and snails which could damage the attractive foliage.
• Native to western North America from British Columbia to California and as far east as western Montana

Rhododendron impeditum

Dwarf purple rhododendron is a woody, compact, slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub or groundcover in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family. It is native to China. This rhododendron grows to a height of 1 foot and width of 1 to 2 feet. The genus name derives from the Greek words rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree.

This plant prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil in dappled shade and protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. It does not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Pruning, if desired, may be done after flowering.   

Dwarf purple rhododendron blooms in the spring with spectacular purple flowers that completely cover the plant. It has fragrant, tiny, leathery, gray-green leaves that provide year-round interest. 

Plant it in small groups in border fronts, rock, or woodland gardens. Plant it at about 15 inches apart and the plants will grow together to form a dense groundcover. This plant is often chosen for bonsai. It is resistant to damage by deer.

poa macrantha

Poa macrantha is a perennial grass growing in loose clumps with stems up to 60 centimeters in maximum height. The grass grows from a network of very long, stout rhizomes and stolons which may be up to 4 meters in length, anchoring the grass in its shifting sandy substrate. The inflorescence is a dense series of clustered spikelets that are flattened and longer than wide. The plant is dioecious with male and female individuals bearing different types of flowers; the two flower types are similar in appearance.

Picea sitchensis

Picea sitchensis, the Sitka spruce, is a large, coniferous, evergreen tree growing to almost 100 meters (330 ft) tall, with a trunk diameter at breast height that can exceed 5 m (16 ft). It is by far the largest species of spruce and the fifth-largest conifer in the world (behind giant sequoia, coast redwood, kauri, and western red cedar), and the third-tallest conifer species (after coast redwood and coast Douglas fir). The Sitka spruce is one of the few species documented to exceed 90 m (300 ft) in height.Its name is derived from the community of Sitka in southeast Alaska, where it is prevalent. Its range hugs the western coast of Canada and the US, continuing south into northernmost California.

ophiopogon pla nigrescens

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' is a mondo grass cultivar forming dense tufts of arching, strap-shaped, grass-like, dark purple to almost jet black leaves, about 8-12 in. long (20-30 cm). Racemes of small, bell-shaped, pale pinkish-white flowers emerge on dark stems in summer before giving way to glossy dark purple berries. Reminiscent of Liriope, this evergreen perennial is tough, durable, and perfect for adding drama and contrast to the garden. Fabulous when combined with caramel Heuchera, silver or gold foliage plants.

• Compact, this Mondo Grass grows up to 6-8 in. tall (15-20 cm) and slowly spreads to 9-12 in. wide (27-30 cm) to form a weed-proof mat.
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Easily grown in rich, humusy, slightly acid, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in evenly moist soils which do not dry out. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Salt and drought tolerant.
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Great for beds and borders, edging, groundcovers, underplanting shrubs, city gardens, coastal gardens, gravel gar, dens, or Mediterranean gardens. Excellent as a container plant!
• Virtually disease free. Watch for slugs
• Propagate by division in spring as growth resumes
• Native to Asia