1. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)- A mat-like ground cover, tolerant of occasional foot traffic. Three to four–inch, oval-shaped, glossy green leaves are arranged in tight rosettes, and by late spring, 3-6-inch long bluish-purple flower spikes arise from the center. Grow in sun or shade in moist areas.

2. Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)- Attractive, pleated, light green leaves have a velvety look and repel water. The clump-forming mounds reach 8-12 inches high and spread 24 inches. Numerous small chartreuse flowers arise above foliage in late spring.

3.Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)*- Low-growing, 4-8 inches tall, native ground cover with deep green, heart-shaped leaves. Early, bell-shaped maroon flowers appear under leaves in spring. Thrives in cool, moist woodland situations.

4. Dwarf False Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’)- A tough, spreading astilbe reaching 8-12 inches tall, with deep green, divided leaves. In late summer, stout clusters of rosy-colored flower spikes appear above the foliage. A good plant for the front of a shady border.

5. Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)- Shade-loving, low-growing ground cover with large, coarse-textured, heart-shaped foliage; reaches 12-18 inches in height. Lovely, tiny blue flowers appear on wiry stems above the foliage in spring. Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.

6. Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum)- A ground-hugging, fast-spreading, 6-8-inch tall plant with silvery foliage. Abundant, tiny white flowers in spring. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.

7. Plumbago or Blue Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides )- Low-growing, 8-10 inches tall, with trailing stems, spreads 12-15 inches. The medium green foliage turns bronze-red in fall. Attractive bright blue flowers bloom from summer to late fall. Plants are very slow to leaf out in spring.

8. Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis)- Dark green leaves arise in pairs, reaching 3-6 inches tall. Spreading by underground rhizomes, it can be aggressive. Fragrant, waxy, white bell-shaped flowers appear in mid-May, sometimes followed in autumn by orange-red poisonous berries.

9. Barrenwort or Bishop's Hat (Epimedium spp.)- An 8-12-inch tall perennial with a mounded habit, spreading by rhizomes. Heart-shaped leaves are borne on stiff, wiry stems. Dainty flowers rise above the foliage in May and June. Grow in moist, organic soil in partial to full shade.

10. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)*- A 6-8-inch ground cover for dense shade. Whorled, bright green leaves on square stems and mildly fragrant white flowers were once used as pillow and mattress stuffing.

11. Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)*- Plants vary in height by species, all with mounded, medium to light green leaves with divided, toothed edges. Showy flowers in spring and summer. Excellent ground cover for partial shade to full sun. Numerous cultivars available.

12. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)- Broad, strap-like leaves reach 6-14 inches in length. Trumpet-shaped flowers range in color from yellow, orange, and red to many other colors. Grow in full sun to partial shade. [Hemerocallis 'Cherry Cheeks]

13. Hosta (Hosta spp.)- A clump-forming ground cover for shady areas. Plants range from a few inches tall to more than 3 feet. Leaves range from long and narrow to short and broad, and often heavily textured. Trumpet-shaped flowers range from white to lavender, with some highly fragrant. Numerous cultivars available. [Hosta 'Paul's Glory']

14. Spotted Dead-nettle (Lamium maculatum)- Horizontally spreading, clump-forming mounds reach 6-8 inches tall. The green and silver-gray variegated leaves brighten dark areas. The lavender to pink flowers are effective during spring and early summer. Grow in well-drained soil in partial shade.

15. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)- Soft, blue-green narrow leaves provide a nice contrast to the spikes of purple flowers in mid-to late summer. All parts of plant are pleasantly scented. The 1-2-foot tall plants require full sun and well-drained soil.