This brunnera, also called Siberian bugloss, opens airy sprays of small, light blue, forget-me-not flowers in spring, floating over bold heart-shaped leaves. The foliage carries the shade bed long after bloom, forming a neat clump 1 to 2 feet around that deer and rabbits ignore.

Give it shade to part shade with steady moisture and afternoon protection in Birmingham; organic, well-drained soil keeps the leaves full. Combine it with ferns, hostas, and hellebores. Cut away any tattered leaves whenever you see them and fresh ones quickly replace them.