If you read any of the gardening magazines you realize that there seems to be a constant stream of new plants that we can try in our gardens or containers. Some times one longs for a slower pace without the suggestion that you must try this new plant.

That said, I guess it would not be spring if I didn't make a brief effort to describe some of the new plants that are out there. One trend that seems to be emerging is the use of more plants whose claim to fame is only their foliage.

One such plant is dichondra "Silver Falls." My first glimpses and pictures I have seen suggests that it trails like a million bells petunia. It will be grown for its small, silver fan-shaped leaves. It likes the sun and seems to tolerate dry conditions. Sounds like it would be a good addition to a mixed basket or container.

Another one that is in almost every publication is Purple Majesty millet. When I think of millet I think of bird feed. However, this one appears like a winner if one wishes a taller purple grass-like plant for the center of a container or as a specimen in the garden. It does get a heavy seed head and that suggests the birds will like this one when the seeds mature.

The final foliage additions are several new plectranthus or Swedish ivy. One called Mona lavender has nearly black foliage. The other, Nico, had dark green leaves on top. The underside of the leaves have a strong purple cast.

Another trend, which may be peaking, is the use of bold tropical looking plants. We have all known about elephant ears since we enjoyed its shade in our grandmother's gardens. The green form she had comes from a tender bulb that must be brought in for the winter.

Now there are newer forms that have black foliage with green stems. The reverse is also out there. A third one has green stems with foliage that is mottled black and green. Except for color these have the look of the original elephant ears. However, there is no bulb. You can save these by digging the plant and bringing it inside.

One of my favorite plants from my grandmother's time was the annual dianthus. I remember collecting their seeds so that we could keep them from year to year. They always were easy and performed well. There is a new one out this year called "Corona Cherry Magic." It is touted for more and larger flowers.

Prairie Sun is a new annual rudbeckia. That's black-eyed susan for those who are still struggling with Latin. What makes this one interesting is that the eye is green rather than black. The petals also exhibit several shades of yellow.

Of course there are new cultivars of many of the common plants. For example there must be a zillion new petunias out there. I still like the waves that will cover more territory for the buck than any plant I know. And this year a blue one was introduced. The real waves still have a limited palette of colors but there are now look alikes in most colors.

Sorry, but once I get started it seems the list is endless. There are enough that maybe I will revisit new plants again soon. The long list of new plants may be a complication but it is also a source of great joy as we plan this year's garden.