Of singular note in Shirley's garden is 'Painter's Palette' (Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'), a most extraordinary plant whose unique cream, green, and maroon leaf variegations make it a marvel to work with visually. Shirley says, "I love it. I think it goes with everything" and adds that she uses it throughout the garden. "I don't water it and I don't have any problem with it," she says. "It is perennial and will reseed, but not aggressively, and it tends to be thick enough that it helps keep the weeds out." Relatively new to the horticultural trade, the plant grows to 30 inches tall with a 40-inch spread. It also spreads by underground stems, but not invasively. Growing best in medium shade, it thrives in all exposures. Though it likes to be watered, it also tolerates drought. Who could ask for more?