Artemisias are silver-leaved with nondescript flowers. Their leaves may be wide and felt-like or very lacy and airy looking. Some have leaves that are grayish-green with a strong overlay of silver coloration, while others seem to be pure silver. Artemisias strongly prefer a dry, well-drained soil. There are many varieties available. Consider using these plants near a porch with a light or on a patio. Artemisia stelleriana (Silver Brocade) is lovely allowed to trail over the side of a raised bed or container. I've found it very hardy to zone 5. The leaves are similar to Dusty Miller which should also be included in a moonlight garden. Dusty Miller occasionally survives zone 5 winters and rewards you with button-like yellow flowers the next spring.
A. 'Silver Mound' is an excellent mounding plant. I find it tends to become floppy during the course of the summer. Here is one way to provide extra support to help it maintain a good appearance. This plant does not tolerate humidity. Full sun produces the best looking plant. Two other Artemisia cultivars that I love are Valerie Finnis and Powis Castle.
Lamb's ear, Stachys byzantina, makes a wonderful border-ground cover type plant. One form is now flowerless while the others have tall spikes of purple flowers. Many growers cut the flower stalks off although I find them attractive to both bees and butterflies. The leaves are a very soft, felt-like material. In my neighborhood, the kids called this plant "Indian toilet-paper" although I never knew where they came up with this nickname. Crafts people dry the leaves for use in pressed flower pictures or dried arrangements.
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