I love the color of SBB -- but I have never had luck with it coming back with any vigor. Also, the bottom foliage almost always looks crinkled and burned. Ugghh. I love the brilliant blue but I just quit with it in my garden! Beautiful gardens, by the way. . . .

Mine was great. LAsted for at least 8 years, finally died last year. I did plant other things at the base, as SBB is what is called an "ugly legs" plant.

I like the look, colors, and open feel of your garden. Do you have deer?
The hoary vervain looks lovely. I am not familiar with it at all and am wondering if "hoary" means deer won't eat it.

Hi splitrock, yep, i have deer and they did not nibble on Hoary Vervain. It is a native plant so you likely need to find a garden center that specializes in native plants. It is doing exceptionally well this year due to extra watering, which is not something i normally do. but my hubby is watering his sod...and my garden is in 'his way'.

Jodi

The foliage of S.B.B. always looked like cr*p - deformed, funky mess. How that plant every got plant of the year is beyond me.

If you want veronica, hunt down "Lavender Charm". It is a terrific cultivar. The light purple flower spikes are long and graceful - just a beautiful sight - and the foliage is not unattractive. It can get mildew-y like any other veronica, but location in full sun with good air circulation should help alleviate that problem. :0)