Liriope muscari.  Lilyturf. Narrow green leaves and blue spikes  in late summer. Great in dry shade and unbothered by bugs or diseases. 12-14”. Divide the fibrous roots in spring. ‘Monroe White’ has white flowers. A bit taller than the blue, but maybe it is situated in better soil?

*Maianthemum racemosum. Solomon’s Plume Formerly known as Smilacina racemosa. A white plume at the tip of an arching stem brings light to the May garden. Red berries follow in fall. 30” Easy from seed or divisions in spring.

  *Monarda fistulosa. Wild bergamot. Pink fuzzy buttons on 2-3’ mint plants with square stems. Will spread by surface stolons. Adored by the clearwing hummingbird moth. Blooms in June and July.

*Muhlenbergia capillaris. Pink hair grass. .A late summer grass topped with airy plumes of pink/purple on 3-4’ spikes. Full sun, dry to medium moisture. Must be well drained. Very ornamental.

Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’. Catmint. Soft gray-green oval leaves form a mound of aromatic foliage. From May to September deep lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Sandy, well-drained soils and sunshine are a must. 24-30” in bloom. As it is most of the time.

*Opuntia humifusa. Prickly pear cactus. Yes, a cactus native to Pennsylvania. In the dry sand of the shale barrens this plant produces huge yellow flowers in May and June. Handle with gloves. 8’12” in bloom. The pads shrivel and lie down in the winter to avoid frost damage, but they sit right up in the spring..Propagate by breaking off the pads and plant halfway in soil. Edible fruits.

*Oenothera fruticosa. Sundrops. Bright yellow flowers and red buds in May and June on drought tolerant plants. Hot, dry sun suits them best. 1-3’, will self sow. Plant with Catmint and Columbine for a spring show,