The last couple of weeks I've been showing you some great local gardens. This past weekend I took a wet spin through my own garden and shot some photos of my favorite plants.

Out of the hundreds of different kinds of perennials, shrubs and trees that have been planted in my garden over the years these are a few of the standouts. Give them a try if they rouse your interest.

A white and red Astilbe (two different varieties) make a festive living arrangement.

I first saw this plant growing in B. C. Later, I found it in a local nursery but I've forgotten the name. Something about a goose...as you can see it looks like a goose or duck's head. If you know what it's called let us know.

Out of many Hellebore varieties out there this is one of my favorites. It's Helleborus argutifolius 'Janet Starnes' and it looks like someone sprayed it with paint. (A dark leaved geranium gets in on the action in this photo.)

Crocosmia's tall strap-like leaves adds a dramatic presence to any garden. This variety, 'Lucifer,' has brilliant red flowers and I have it growing behind a bamboo bench in my garden. The seat rotted out but it still looks good. I just don't sit there anymore.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) comes alive when it rains. There's something about the structure of its leaves that cause it to collect raindrops and turn them in to little crystal balls. Oh, and it has fluffy yellow flowers.

Meadow rue (Thalictrum delavayi) is an underused perennial in the garden. This variety is called 'Hewitt's Double.' It's tall. It's purple. It's lacy. What more could you ask for? In this photo the flowers are leaning against Rhody foliage.