By Feature - Small Garden

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Overdam' is a striking, upright ornamental grass known for its refined appearance and architectural form. Reaching a height of about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in flower, it forms neat, vertical clumps of narrow green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. This variegated foliage brightens garden spaces from spring through autumn, providing a soft yet structured backdrop to other plants.

In early to midsummer, 'Overdam' produces tall, feathery flower plumes that emerge with a pinkish tinge before maturing to a warm golden-tan. These airy inflorescences rise well above the foliage, adding movement and height, and persist into winter, bringing seasonal interest and subtle texture even in dormant landscapes.

Unlike many grasses, 'Overdam' begins growth early in the season and remains tidy, making it ideal for formal borders, contemporary designs, or as a vertical accent in perennial beds. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of urban conditions, wind, and clay soils. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, it only requires a spring cutback to prepare for new growth. ‘Overdam’ is a versatile, elegant choice for adding structure, brightness, and year-round appeal to gardens.

The Yucca elephantipes 'Puck' is a strong, evergreen plant known for its sturdy trunk that reminiscents of an elephant's foot, hence the name 'elephantipes'. The plant produces long, green leaves that can be sharp. The trunk of the plant tends to branch out as the plant gets older, creating a beautiful architectural effect. This hardy plant features a distinctive, tree-like trunk crowned with a dense rosette of  varigated leaves.

This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, desert-themed gardens, and modern landscapes. Its exceptional cold hardiness and resilience make Yucca a versatile and enduring garden centerpiece.

Cordyline australis, or Cabbage Palm, is an impressive, vigorous, palm-like, sub-tropical tree with long, arching, narrow, dark burgundy leaves. The panicles of small, fragrant, white flowers bloom only on mature plants, in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by white or blue-tined berries.

Cordyline australis (cabbage palm) thrives in full sun or partial shade and grows well in any kind of soil, except waterlogged. It prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soils. It is tolerant to salt, wind, and drought which makes it a perfect coastal plant. It can withstand some cold weather, but frost might damage it. Disease-free and low maintenance. Toxic to animals.

Cordyline australis is an incredible specimen tree because of its tropical looks and bold colour. It’s a great addition to any garden, traditional or modern. Perfect for coastal areas. Great for beds and borders, patios and containers.

Vitex ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is a compact, deciduous shrub ideal for gardens seeking late-season colour, pollinator support, and easy-care beauty. Developed for improved cold hardiness, it thrives in a range of climates. It forms a rounded, bushy habit, typically growing to around 1.5 meters tall and 1.8 meters wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or pollinator-friendly plantings.

This hybrid variety features striking, aromatic grey-green foliage and dramatic dark stems that provide contrast throughout the growing season. From mid to late summer, it produces abundant spikes of deep blue-violet flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Unlike many other Vitex varieties, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is sterile, so it doesn’t self-seed or become invasive.

It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, including sandy or slightly alkaline types. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for low-water or coastal gardens. Minimal pruning is required, typically in early spring to maintain shape. With its manageable size, vivid blooms, and wildlife appeal, ‘Chicagoland Blues’ is an excellent ornamental choice for a wide variety of landscapes.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, also known as Snowball Bush or Guelder Rose. This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its stunning appearance and graceful clusters of snowy white flowers. Let us explore the features, cultivation tips, and overall allure of Viburnum Opulus Roseum.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum is renowned for its breathtaking flower clusters that resemble fluffy snowballs. These showy inflorescences, up to 4-5 inches in diameter, create a captivating visual spectacle. Starting as vibrant lime-green buds, they gradually transform into pure white blossoms, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.

In addition to its enchanting flowers, this Viburnum species boasts attractive foliage. The leaves are prominently veined, vibrant green, and deeply lobed, lending a textured and ornamental appeal to the shrub. During fall, the foliage undergoes a vibrant color transformation, turning shades of reddish-purple and burgundy, adding another layer of visual interest to the landscape.

Following the flowering period, Viburnum Opulus Roseum produces abundant clusters of glossy, translucent red berries. These berries are not only visually striking but also serve as a valuable food source for various bird species. If you enjoy attracting wildlife to your garden, this shrub will be a delightful addition.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun exposure. It can adapt to a range of soil types but prefers moist, fertile soil. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is crucial for establishing young plants. Once mature, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is relatively drought-tolerant. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain soil moisture and control weeds. Pruning is generally unnecessary but can be done after flowering to maintain shape.

This species is known for its hardiness, capable of withstanding colder climates, including frost. It is relatively disease-resistant and requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

Viburnum Opulus Roseum, with its show-stopping flower clusters, lush foliage, and vibrant berries, is a captivating addition to any garden. Its resilience, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a highly sought-after shrub for both ornamental and wildlife-friendly landscapes. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's beauty or attract feathered visitors, Viburnum Opulus Roseum is a delightful choice that will undoubtedly charm you and your visitors alike.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and vibrant color to shady garden spaces. Its arching, bamboo-like leaves are boldly striped in golden yellow with green margins, creating a luminous effect, especially in low light. In cooler months, the foliage may take on pink or reddish hues, adding seasonal interest.

This compact perennial typically reaches 30–45 cm in height and spreads slowly to form mounded drifts that soften edges and complement neighboring plants. It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established, as long as it’s not too dry or exposed to harsh sun.

‘Aureola’ is particularly effective when planted in groups or used as a foliage contrast alongside hostas, ferns, or heucheras. Its low maintenance, non-invasive nature, and year-round appeal make it a reliable and stylish choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Polestar' is an excellent choice for a variety of garden settings due to its compact size and adaptable nature. Growing to around 50–60 cm tall, it is particularly well-suited to small gardens, patios, and balcony containers where space is limited but seasonal interest is desired. Its tidy, rounded form and early-flowering nature make it a great feature in mixed borders or as a low hedge. 'Polestar' produces creamy-white panicles in early summer that gradually deepen to pink as the season progresses, offering long-lasting color and interest.

This cultivar thrives in a sunny to partially shaded position and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is also hardy and low-maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners seeking reliable performance with minimal effort. For best flowering, it benefits from pruning in early spring. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in groups, 'Polestar' brings charm and elegance to any garden space.

Ceanothus ‘Trewithen Blue’, or California Lilac ‘Trewithen Blue’, is a large, vigorous, spreading, evergreen shrub with elegant, arching branches and oval, glossy, dark green leaves. A profusion of fragrant, rich blue flower panicles bloom from April to June, covering the whole shrub and creating a wonderful display. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Ceanothus ‘Trewithen Blue’ can tolerate a wide range of soils, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun, but can tolerate light shade. In hot summer areas, it appreciates some afternoon shade. Once established, tolerant of drought. It can withstand frost, but needs to be sheltered from harsh, winter winds. May require pruning after flowering. Very difficult to transplant. Californian lilac 'Trewithen Blue' is a wonderful, abundantly flowering shrub, great as a specimen plant in cottage, urban, and rock gardens. Excellent for beds and borders and informal hedges and screens.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings.

Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade and generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds.

It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Carex testacea, commonly known as orange New Zealand sedge, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its fine, arching foliage that shifts from olive-green to coppery-orange tones, intensifying in colder months. This evergreen perennial adds year-round texture and color to the garden, particularly in autumn and winter. Compact and clump-forming, it typically grows to around 30–50 cm tall and wide, making it ideal for borders, rock gardens, gravel gardens, or containers.

Carex testacea thrives in full sun to partial shade, though its orange hues are most vibrant in sunnier spots. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance and xeriscape gardens.

It pairs well with other grasses, perennials, or architectural plants and is perfect for modern or naturalistic planting schemes. This versatile grass requires minimal upkeep—simply remove old foliage in spring to keep it looking fresh and tidy.

Hydrangea 'Hot Chocolate' is a distinctive and elegant addition to any garden, prized for its unique foliage and beautiful blooms. Its deep, chocolate-bronze leaves provide dramatic contrast throughout the growing season, setting it apart from traditional hydrangea varieties. This shrub thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it versatile for a range of garden conditions, though it prefers shelter from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates.

In summer, ‘Hot Chocolate’ produces large, creamy-pink flowers that gradually deepen to rose-pink, adding long-lasting color and interest. These blooms are excellent for cutting, drying, or simply enjoying in the landscape. Its compact, bushy form makes it suitable for borders, mixed shrub beds, foundation plantings, or even as a standout specimen in smaller gardens.

This hydrangea prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture and benefits from a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist. It is moderately low-maintenance and can be pruned after flowering to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. With its bold foliage, striking flowers, and adaptable nature, Hydrangea 'Hot Chocolate' is an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking something unique and reliable.

Hosta 'Minuteman' is an excellent choice for a wide range of garden settings due to its bold foliage and reliable performance. This hardy perennial thrives in shaded to partially shaded areas, making it ideal for under trees, along north-facing walls, or in woodland gardens where other plants may struggle. Its attractive dark green leaves with clean, white margins create a striking contrast that brightens dim garden corners and adds texture to planting schemes. 'Minuteman' forms a neat, compact mound, making it suitable for borders, edging, and container gardening.

In summer, it sends up tall spikes with delicate lavender flowers, which can attract bees and pollinators. This hosta is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking easy-care plants. It pairs well with ferns, astilbes, and other shade-loving perennials, contributing to a layered and visually rich garden composition.

With consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun, 'Minuteman' will flourish for years. Its refined appearance and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any shade garden, whether traditional, cottage-style, or modern in design.

Hydrangea are beautiful and very adaptable small bush, deciduous flowering shrub of round, mounded habit with broadly oval, dark green leaves, yellow in autumn. Huge, rounded, symmetrical clusters of beautiful, pure white, sterile flowers, greenish-yellow when young and tan in autumn, bloom abundantly the whole summer.

Hydrangea grows best in fertile, neutral, moist and well-drained soils, in partial to full shade. It can withstand full sun, if the soil is consistently moist. Low maintenance plant, generally, pest-free and disease-free. It’s a tough plant that transplants easily. Very hardy, but late frosts can damage the buds, therefore, need to be sheltered in colder climates.

Hydrangea is perfect for shrub and mixed borders or for floral hedges and screens. Since it likes shade, ideal to bring brightness to shaded garden areas.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with a dense, round crown. Its has ovate, toothed, hairy leaves, bright green in summer, yellow in autumn. Yellow male catkins appear in late winter and hang loosely from the bare branches. Female flowers are tiny, red and inconspicuous and are followed by edible nuts, hazelnuts, in autumn. Hazelnuts are popular and healthy nuts, full of unsaturated fats and proteins.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ can grow in any type of soil, as long as it is moist, airy and well-drained, but prefers moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soils. It likes full sun or partial shade. It is resistant to frost, wind, and air pollution. Flower buds can be damaged by early frost. Generally, pest-free and disease-free.

Corylus avellana ‘Hazel’ is widely grown for commercial nut production. It has many named varieties. It is perfect for informal, cottage, and woodland gardens. Great for hedges and screens. Suitable for urban and roof gardens.