Common name: Balloon Flower
Botanical name: Platycodon grandiflorus

These unusual perennials bloom from mid-summer through fall with deep blue, bulb-shaped buds that open into star-like cups. Plants emerge in late spring, and should be placed under full sun in average, well-drained soil. Overall growth reaches 1.5'-2' in height. While the plant is reliable and requires low maintenance, it resents transplanting once it is established.

Common name: Common Yarrow
Botanical name: Achillea millefolium

Common Yarrow is a hardy perennial with hairy, evergreen green foliage. It has a tight cluster of white flowers and typically blooms in the summer months. It attracts bees and butterflies. It prefers full to part sun and becomes drought tolerant once it's established. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded to keep it looking tidy.

Common name: Licorice Plant
Botanical name: Helichrysum petiolare

This groundcover will grow 1'-3' tall and wide. It felt-look, silvery gray, small leaves that densely cover the plant. Because it has a trailing habit, this plant looks great in hanging baskets and containers. It does well in full sun and dry, well draining soil. It is grown for foliage, not flowers which are considered insignificant. Established plants are drought tolerant. Be careful not to overwater.

Common name: White Nancy Dead Nettle
Botanical name: Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy'

The 'White Nancy' grows to a size of 6" tall, spreading by underground stolons or rooting in the stems. Its white leaves have a green margin; in the summer, pure white flowers are borne. Considering their delicate appearance, the plants are remarkably cold and drought tolerant and do not seem to be bothered much by bugs. When established in coastal gardens, the plant needs little summer watering.

Common name: Victorian Box
Botanical name: Pittosporum undulatum

This evergreen tree or large shrub will grow 25'-50' high and 10'-22' wide and produces wonderfully fragrant white flowers that come in clusters in the spring.