Allyssum

(Sweet) Alyssum
(Lobularia maritima)

4 to 8 inches tall by 1 foot wide Honey-scented flowers are white, pink, rose or purple. Late spring until frost Alyssum may decline in midsummer.

Shear, feed and water to rejuvenate.

Bacopa – wildflower or cultivar

Bacopa
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Binomial name: Bacopa monnieri

A perennial creeping herb which grows on muddy shores and wetlands. Common names include Water Hyssop pr Bhrami.

Bacopa monnieri is a perennial, creeping herb whose habitat includes wetlands and muddy shores. Common names include Water Hyssop and brahmi (note: brahmi is also the Ayurvedic name given to Centella asiatica and other herbs).

The leaves of this plant are succulent and relatively thick. Leaves are oblanceolate and are arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, with four or five petals. Its ability to grow in water makes it a popular aquarium plant. It can even grow in slightly brackish conditions. Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.

It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and is also found in Florida and other southern states of the USA where it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden.

In Ayurveda it is a traditional treatment for epilepsy and asthma. Laboratory studies on rats indicate that extracts of the plant improve memory capacity and motor learning ability. Studies in humans show that an extract of the plant has anti anxiety effects. It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. In India, this plant has also been used traditionally to consecrate newborn babies in the belief that it will open the gateway of intelligence.

This plant is also known as thyme-leafed gratiola and moneywort. Synonyms include Herpestris monnieria, Moniera euneifolia, Lysimachia monnieri, and Bacopa Monniera.

It is used in Vietnamese cuisine, where it is called rau ?a(‘ng. It is used in cháo cá, a variety of rice congee made with fish and na^’m tràm mushrooms.

Cultivation:
Plant in moist, peaty, slightly acid soil. Can tolerate shade. Keep soil moist, well drained. Flowers will drop if underwatered.

Suggested uses: Banks and Slopes, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Hanging baskets, Low Maintenance, Underplanting
Soil types: Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained, Soil pH: Acid, Neutral
Light: Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun Aspect: North, South, East, West
Tender in frost (H3)

Saponaria

Wildflower
- Soapwort, Bouncing Bet
(S. Officinalis) (Family: Caryophyllaceae

So named because of the sudsy soap-like quality when petals are crushed and rubbed. They come in a variety of showy blooms ranging from white to pink to mauve. Phlox-like and fragrant wildflower. Bounding Bet uses the imagery of the bouncing movement of a washerwoman using a washing board.

Saponaria is native to both North America and Europe. It can be grown very successfully if transplanted early in spring to the garden or grown from seed and does very well, even establishing itself to continue year to year.