Alchemilla mollis
A must have plant for every garden, not because it is a show-stopper but for it’s subtle ability to harmonize with everything. The soft olive green foliage emerges from the bud with distinct pleats that, along with the soft coating of hair, traps dew and raindrops holding them like tiny jewels to sparkle in the sunlight.  Lady’s Mantle produces clouds of frothy chartreuse blooms in early summer supplying  an abundance of contrast for more ostentatious specimens and showing them off to advantage. Preferring partial shade and moist but well drained locations this perennial is perfect for the front of a border or in containers. Resistant to the attention of both deer and rabbits and incredibly easy to grow. 
Height: 18” (45cm) Spread: 24” (60 cm) USDA 4-8

Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’
Another member of the Ranunculaceae family that prefers partial shade and a humus rich soil. Windflowers will naturalize in a woodland type garden providing beautiful blooms in the late summer season. This selection has been around since 1858 so it has definitely stood the test of time as a garden worthy plant. Large single flowers with 6-9 overlapping, white petals and contrasting yellow stamens appear above the dark green grape like foliage usually in August, September.  Easy to grow as long as it does dry out or sit in water especially in winter.
Height: 40” (100 cm) Spread: 24” (60 cm) USDA 4-8

Geranium maculatum ‘Elizabeth Ann' PP11,252
Known as Cranesbill (for the shape of their seed pods) or Wild Geranium, this selection of a native north American species is a lovely dwarf plant perfect for the front of the partial shade border. Beautiful chocolate brown foliage contrasts with the pale pink flowers that appear in early spring. Deadheading after flowering may encourage a repeat bloom later in the season. Easy to grow in average soil softly mounding plants make a great ground cover but do not like to dry out. 
Height: 18” (45cm) Spread: 18” (45 cm)  USDA 3-8

Helleborus orientalis ‘Double Queen’
The 15 species within the genus Helleborus are members of the Ranunculaceae family. Often known as the Lenten Rose due to their very early spring bloom time, Hellebores are a great plants for a partial shade border as they signal the return of warmer weather.  Leathery evergreen compound leaves are an interesting counterpoint for more delicate foliage.  The fascinating double flowers (on this selection) can be creamy white, or shades of pink to red, many with contrasting spotting in the throat. Slow growing, drought tolerant once established and deer resistant.
Height 24” (60cm) Spread 36” (100cm). USDA 3-8

Hemerocallis ‘Chocolate Candy’
Irresistible for the name alone!  Tetraploid genetics impart great vigor and large flower size.  For best bloom performance a full sun location is required but average well drained soil is perfectly acceptable. Very floriferous in June and July with chocolate-burgundy blooms with dark, almost black eye zones contrasted with the ubiquitous chartreuse throat. Easy to grow.
Height and Spread: 24” (60cm) USDA 3-8

Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’
Another candidate for the full sun part of the border. Phlox does best in soils that retain moisture so that the plants do not become stressed due to drought. Clusters of fragrant, lavender blue flowers  each with white eyes and tiny red centers crown these plants in July and August.
Height: 40” (100cm) Spread: 18” (45 cm). USDA 3-8

Thermopsis lanceolata
Not commonly grown but therefore an excellent plant to differentiate a border from the ordinary. The common name of Golden Banner refers to the spikes of bright yellow lupine (or pea) like flowers that cover the plant in early to mid spring.  Trifoliate foliage is gray-green and upright. Easy to grow in average to sandy soil that is moist but well drained. Plants can be slow to establish but soon form a good sized clump in a partial shade location.
Height: 30” (75cm) Spread: 24” (60 cm). USDA 3-8.

Read this issue of Inspired Combinations 

Read Jacqueline van der Kloet's bio

Soon after starting his own landscape gardening business in 1977, Laurens Lageschaar found the best way to address his biggest challenge, namely the lack of a local, reliable supply of perennial plants, was to start growing them himself.  Gradually, the production end of the business consumed more and more of his time and resources, and by 1984 the decision was made to discontinue the landscape division of the company.  Today, the company grows more than 1200 varieties for sale to the landscape and public green sectors.