I inherited a garden when I moved in and don't know what some of the plants are. I think these are perennials, as they are still here and it has been a few years since we moved in. These pictures are from yesterday. In the picture of plant 3, the plant I'm interested in is the one on top - I know the other is a hosta. For plant 4, I provided a long shot as well as a close up, as I thought the plant might be spreading (either that, or they were planted in weird places!). I just read the note about putting an object in the picture for scale but didn't know to do that when I took the pictures (sorry) - will do that next time! Thanks in advance!
#4(5) looks like Lily-of-the-Valley, which will spread itself (some call it invasive) but it's a pleasant shade ground cover. Did it have small white flowers earlier in the spring?
I don't recall if it did or not. I should have paid closer attention! Looks about right based on pictures of the leaves though, and the fact that lily-of-the-valley spreads by rhizomes sounds right too - that's what I thought this plant was doing. It is in the flower bed with a bunch of other flowers though...would it be best to try to move it, or just try to contain it? Thanks for your help!
It's really personal preference. I don't think of it as invasive, because I like it ;-) I've never had a problem with it taking over - it grows in the side of a shade garden with vinca, and the vinca keps it from going one way, and the lawn mower keeps it from getting too far into the grass. Ahem. If it was me, I'd let it grow.
I guess that's a good point - it's only invasive if you don't want it there! I have a lot of shady spots in the garden and it can be hard to find plants I like to fill them, so I'll keep this around and just keep an eye on it. Thanks again!