Spirea - Dakota Goldcharm®
Dakota Goldcharm® Spirea, spiraea japonica 'Mertyann', has showy golden foliage that is accented by bright pink flowers blooming in early summer, repeating through the remainder of the season. The foliage emerges bronze, turns yellow-gold in summer and develops a pink-red fall color. Dakota Goldcharm Spirea is more or less a miniature version of Goldflame or Goldmound Spirea, with foliage that starts a deep red, fading to a yellowish green by late spring. Certainly a plant to locate at the front of a planting bed, otherwise it will be lost among the taller perennials and shrubs. It prefers loamy soil with full to partial sun. This mounded shrub grows 15-18 inches tall with 2-3 foot spread. Since it is so small, it can also be used as a groundcover. Spireas are among the easiest flowering shrubs to grow since they are tolerant of many soils except extremely wet. The plant also likes mulch and summer watering. ... more
Privet - Chinese South The Chinese South Privet, Ligustrum sinense, is an abundant semi-evergreen small tree or large shrub, most commonly found invading the understory of moist areas. Copious amounts of fruits are produced. The berries turn black when ripe and are gobbled up by birds, which spread the seeds far and wide. The foilage is sometimes so thick that nothing can grow underneath the shrub. It usually reaches a height of 15 feet and has pretty white flowers in the late spring. Its oval leaves are dark green.

