Slideshow: Terra Nova Nurseries

Dan Heims (pictured) and Ken Brown founded Terra Nova Nurseries in 1992 and have introduced more than 600 plants that are being propagated in tissue culture labs all over the world. While Heims ran a landscaping business for 20 years, Brown was a microbiologist. Both shared a passion for plants.

Terra Nova's varieties are displayed in demonstration gardens throughout its property, including this roadside entrance.

A swath of sedum makes a real statement along a basic gravel path.

One of Terra Nova's signature species is heuchera. Breeding efforts have focused on leaf color and extended bloom cycle.

Coreopsis is another genus Terra Nova has been working on, improving habit and flower color. These copper flowers may be smaller than a penny but create a mass of color. Naturally tidy plants mean low maintenance landscapes.

Echinacea has been another hot crop to introduce new colors and forms.

A sunny new yellow echinacea.

Heucheras make stunning baskets for shade.

Heuchera liners across the spectrum of hues.

Sedums grown from tissue culture into liners.

A look inside Terra Nova's tissue culture lab. Demand for the varieties has expanded so much the plants are being produced in labs all over the world.

Sprouted plants are taken from petri dishes with tweezers and placed onto paper towels to separate for planting.

Liners staged for shipping.

Recycling is big at Terra Nova, too. Shredded paper can be used for packing shipments.