This groundcover is perfect for shady, moist locations. Solomons seal(Polygonatumspp.) is a classic shade garden plant with arching stems that add an architectural component to garden beds. Jerry Pavia. In spring, the stems are lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms. These blossoms later give way to bluish-black berries that wildlife love. This plants spreading and clumping habit makes itan excellent groundcoverfor shady spots. Credit: Jerry Pavia Theres a world of little-known types of Solomons seal....

This hardy perennial is also be grown as an annual to harvest baby leaves or full-size leaves. If grown as annual greens, sorrel is fast to reach the harvest stage. The perennial plant is long-lived, developing a dense mound of foliage over time. Where to Plant Sorrel Select a location in full to partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil. If growing it as an annual, interplant a row of sorrel with other cool-season leafy greens....

Plant these delicate lavender-blue spring bloomers under trees and shrubs where they will multiply prolifically. They make delightful companions for early-blooming perennials and shrubs such as hellebore and azalea. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and pets. They flourish in shady plantings alongside other spring-blooming bulbs. Plant them on their own or in clumps or mix them with other spring-blooming perennials. For a more natural look in a woodland setting, scatter the bulbs in small clumps with irregular spacing....

This tropical vine blooms with showy multicolored flowers late in the summer. Spanish flagis a tropical vine in themorning glorygenus but its showy flowers look quite different. The flowers form upright clusters on slender, bending stems. Spanish flag is toxic to humans and pets. Where to Plant Spanish Flag Select a location in full sun that is sheltered from strong winds. The vine needs space and support to grow vertically....

The sought-after predecessors to the modern tulips are likely to come back every year and multiply. Species tulips are sought after for their striking looks; some have contrasting colored centers when fully open. Most species tulips act like lily-key in tulips, only fully opening on sunny days. At night, and on overcast days, the blooms stay closed. The foliage of species tulips is smaller and less obtrusive than modern tulip varieties....

Even after its blooms fade, the long, narrow seedpods add interest to the garden. Be sure to place them in an area that receives full sunlight most of the day. Keep the soil consistently moist as the seeds germinate. Credit: Matthew Benson They should begin to sprout within a week or two. Once seedlings emerge, thin them out until they are about 8 inches apart. The plants need plenty of air circulation to avoid issues with pests anddiseases....

This hardy bulb produces colorful flowers that bloom from midsummer to fall. The flower is a close relative to the amaryllis and much like its kin, has a striking flower. This plant generally puts out its foliage in spring after the coldest weather has passed. Credit: Dan Piassick All species in theLycorisgenus are toxic to humans and animals. It takes spider lily a couple of years to get established and start blooming....

Also called airplane plant, spider plant grows well in containers orhanging baskets. Grow them indoors in most climates and outdoors in the warmest spots. Because spider plants are native totropical places, they appreciate humidity and warm temperatures. Credit:BHG / Juli Lopez-Castillo They do great in a bathroom, soaking up the steam from showers. Choose a container with good drainage for your spider plant depending on where you plan to place it....

These easy-to-grow perennials produce small but numerous flowers over several weeks in summer. Spiderwort flowers are comprised of three petals, borne at the tips of foliage stems and often in clusters. These plants may not have the showiest blooms, but they certainly make up for it with quantity. Credit: Jay Wilde There are many buds per stalk, and the bloom time can last up to three months. There are tropical and perennial options, so many different spiderworts are available....

This fernlike plant grows best in a terrarium with lots of humidity. These plants are best suited for morehumid indoor locations like bathroomsandgrowing in terrariums. Besides needing relatively high humidity, spike moss will thrive with very little maintenance. Credit:Imagenavi / Getty Images Due to their shallow root systems, a deep pot or container is not necessary. ensure roots are covered, and water well after planting. Soil and Water Plant spike moss inlight, loamy soil with good water retentionand excellent drainage....

Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest home-grown spinach. Denny Schrock Spinach is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow garden staple. Best grown in spring or fall, spinach can provide three seasons of fresh leaves with a little care. Credit:Denny Schrock This guide explains the basics to get you started. Where to Plant Spinach Spinachgrows equally well in containersor garden beds. Choose a site with good drainage and a neutral soil pH....

Spirea are landscape favorites because they don’t require much maintenance to look attractive. This diverse group of flowering shrubs comes in many sizes, colors, and forms. Plus, they’re easy-to-grow plants that are hardy in most regions of the country, especially Zones 4-10. Peter Krumhardt. Spireas are very fast-growing. Newer types work well in suburban yards where colors and size are important. Spirea japonicais probably the most common member of thisgroup of shrubs....

The flowers have a spicy scent and the grass-like foliage gives off an onion or garlic scent when crushed. The small bulbs produce multiple flowering stems with single flowers. The plants will go dormant in late spring. Their foliage will die back, and the plant will essentially disappear underground. Its grass-like foliage makes it a pretty complement in a lawn or meadow where naturalizing habits are often encouraged. With their star-shaped flowers, spring starflowers are a perfect partner for daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs....