Common name: Ivy Geranium
Botanical name: Pelargonium peltatum

Clouds of single flowers are produced from spring through fall on This perennial, which should be planted in areas that receive protection from afternoon sun in warm inland areas. Ivy geranium reaches 2' tall and spreads to 3' wide. Leaves are shaped like ivy leaves, thus its common name. Flowers bloom from spring through fall in pink, white, red or violet. It looks great in containers as it spills over. Deadhead to encourage more blooming and keep plant bushy.

Common name: Yellow Bush Spurge
Botanical name: Euphorbia characias wulfenii

Broad clusters of lime green flowers appear in winter and spring. These flowers create dense, round cylindrical masses! This evergreen perennial has upright stems forming a 4' tall dome-shaped bush. Crowded all along the stems are narrow, blue-green leaves. Once it's established, it is drought tolerant. Until the seeds ripen, the flower color holds with only slight fading. At that point, the stalks should be cut out at the base. Use gloves as sap is poisonous or could cause contact dermatitis.

Common name: Tobira
Botanical name: Pittosporum tobira

This large, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree has shiny dark green leaves. In the spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Tobira can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is considered one of the most durable shrubs in western landscapes.

Common name: Sticky Monkey Flower
Botanical name: Mimulus aurantiacus

Sticky Monkey Flower is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub 4' tall with numerous, orangish yellow flowers in spring and summer. It is a California native that attracts hummingbirds in abundance. This shrub can be found on the dry hills and canyon slopes in the Sierra Nevada foothills and the central Coast Ranges.

Common name: Provence Blue Lavandin
Botanical name: Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence'

With tall 24"-30" stems, 'Provence' has true, lavender colored flowers that are fragrant and excellent for cutting. It flowers in early June and has large, gray green leaves. A hybrid between L. angustifolia & L. latifolia, both of which are strong plants tolerant of warm summers,and are known for their very intense scent. 'Provence'™ grows fast to 3' tall ; wide & can be used as a short aromatic hedge. It takes well to pruning when young & blooms profusely in the mid-late Summer. Though not suitable for oil production, the light blue flowers make excellent dry flowers for sachets ; are also used in cooking and wine production. Pick before the flowers are fully open for best results or leave them to be enjoyed by bees and butterflies. Shear for best appearance when the blooms are spent. Lives about 5-6 years.

Common name: Artichoke
Botanical name: Cynara scolymus

This perennial will grow 4' tall and 6'-8' wide. It has silvery green leaves with bluish purple flowers that bloom in spring. Artichoke heart is a favorite vegetable of California kitchens but it is a great ornamental plant often overlooked for color contrast. Provide full sun, well draining soil and medium amount of watering for best harvest of the hearts.