GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Last week we suggested some Zone 5 perennials you may want to try, inspired by the USDA garden zone map that now classifies much of the metro and southern Minnesota as Zone 5.

Not every shrub in the garden needs to be center stage. In fact, over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate the tough, quiet workhorses; the ones at the back of the border that just get on with it.

Gemma is an experienced freelance writer who has spent the last five years focusing on expert-driven content relating to homes and gardens. She has contributed to several lifestyle publications ...