Creeping Oregon Grape (Mahonia Repens) Is the Humble Groundcover That Does It All
In this one compact shrub, you get glossy evergreen foliage, spring fireworks of yellow flowers, dusky blue berries, and rich winter color that slides from bronze to burgundy. It keeps working even when others give up, especially in dry shade or tricky slopes.
Eranthis Hyemalis – The Early-Spring Blooming Winter Aconite
One of those plants that steal the late-winter show, opening bright yellow cups while the garden still feels half-asleep. Before crocuses and many snowdrops move, it is already up, scattering color across bare beds, tree roots, and woodland edges.