From the Latin abigo, to drive away, Ajuga was thought to drive away disease. To some of us that disease is Winter, and the remedy is Bugleweed. the herald of Spring, with its clear blue, white or pink flowers. The crisp, crinkled foliage hugs the ground for a quick-spreading, evergreen carpet. Use Ajuga en masse, under a high canopy, or to soften the edges of walls and paving. It is usually recommended that Ajuga be grown in the shade but I prefer growing min in some sun. It makes a great edging between my front garden and my driveway. I also plant it around stepping stones.

Verbena bonarensis is a tough and esay to grow perennial from South America. It grows to 6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, but it is very open so it can be planted near the front of a border. Long lasting clusters of purple flowers grow at the end of long stems. Easy in any soil, but do not overwater in clay soils. Very drought tolerant. Water no more than once a week. After frosts, trim down to basal leaves. Reseeds. Best in full sun. Bonariensis is always popular with our patrons. It is also a plant that fits in well with California natives because both need similar growing conditions. Another good Verbena, also tough and drought tolerant, is Verbena rigida (see last week's email... click). It is shorter than V. bonariensis and has steely lavender blue flowers.

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