Water lovers, the plants that don’t mind wet feet.

Grass-like sedges and rushes are frequent choices for high-moisture sites -- higher than most garden plants can handle. There are also herbaceous perennials that like it wet, and here are a couple of our favorites.

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s mantle)

This one’s right at home pondside, with stems dangling into the water. Attractive scalloped leaves are matte silver-green, forming sizeable 18”-high clumps topped with a froth of small, star-shaped chartreuse flowers. Lady’s mantle tolerates a range of light exposures and soils, but needs consistent moisture. Hardy in Zones 4-7.

Fun fact: Softly-haired foliage is hydrophobic – raindrops and dewdrops just bead up and roll off the leaves.

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal flower)

This native is as happy in moist shade as a kid with muddy toes. Its common name comes from the brilliant red blooms, borne on erect spikes. Close-up, the individual florets resemble exotic birds. Stands up to 3’ high and hardy all the way down to Zone 3! Brighter conditions require more moisture.