Alchemilla, also known as Lady's Mantle, is quite a large genus of perennial plants – some 300 or so different species—featuring a wide range of plant-types. Most species are mound-shaped, or clump-forming, with leaves arising from woody rhizomes. They generally thrive in cool regions, and they tolerate both wet and dry soils. In wet weather, water droplets collect in sparkling beads on the leaves, and are most attractive. Centuries ago, these beads of water were considered by alchemists to be the purest form of water, and they used it in their quest to turn base metal into gold—hence the name Alchemilla (which translates from the Arabic for magical one).   The best use of Alchemilla in the garden tends to be as ground cover, or as a decorative plant at the front of a border. These plants complement other ground cover plants such as Hardy Geranium, form of Phlox subulata and even Vinca.