Most gardeners are aware of zone systems that help us determine the plants we can grow in our gardens.

When it comes to reproduction, the birds and the bees certainly have a less complicated time of it than plants do.

English Ivy NHGC The evergreen vine English ivy (Hedera helix) has heart-shaped, leathery leaves, and is attractive for topiaries or as an easy-care houseplant. When planted outdoors, ivy uses aerial rootlets to cling to buildings, trees, and trellises. If left to scramble on the ground,

Fairy bells, which comes from the gardens of Korea, is a shade-loving companion for hostas and ferns.

With maple-like leaves in shades of chocolate, bronze, burgundy, red, and deep green, foamy bells is an exceptional foliage plant for sunny or dappled-shade gardens.

The soap aloe, or Aloe saponaria, is a handsome desert plant native to South Africa.

The finely cut, fernlike foliage of dropwort is topped with 6-inch clusters of pink-tinted white flowers from early to midsummer.

Ornamental grasses are popular--and justifiably so.

In spring the cushion spurge is a welcome, early splash of sunshine with its vivid citron color.

From midsummer to frost, count on dahlias to provide lavish blooms.