Common name: Blue Oat Grass
Botanical name: Helictotrichon sempervirens
The Blue Oat Grass is an evergreen, blue clumping grass that grows 2' tall and 3' wide. Foliage is thin blue gray, wiry leaves that radiate from center of plant. Its showy tan flowers are on spikes 1'-2' above the foliage (flowers more common in cooler winter areas). This plant looks good alone as well as in mass plantings. It does well in full sun or light shade. Established plants need only occasional watering. It does best with well draining soil. The blue oat grass likes dry hill sides.
Common name: Pumpkin Monkey Flower
Botanical name: Mimulus 'Pumpkin'
Mimulus 'Pumpkin' is one of the best performing and 'garden tolerant' of the dry Mimulus species/hybrids. Although it still requires well drained soil and drier conditions in most environments, it stays evergreen and can bloom through the year with supplemental summer water when other varieties will die. It reaches 18"-24" tall and 18"-24" wide and blooms profusely with two toned, pumpkin orange flowers. It is truly stunning and effective in the garden, especially in mass.
Common name: Pacific Wax Myrtle
Botanical name: Myrica californica
This large shrub/tree can reach 30' tall and has glossy, dark green leaves with purple nutlets that attract birds. It is used very effectively as a screen. Also known as Morella californica.
Common name: Pink Jasmine
Botanical name: Jasminum polyanthum
This fast-growing evergreen vine features clusters of fragrant white flowers almost all year in cool climates. It does best when grown in sun to part shade.
Common name: Hybrid Twinspur or Diascia
Botanical name: Diascia hybrids
Diascia hybrids are annual that come in different colors, depending on the variety such as pink, red, white or salmon. They reach 10"-16" tall and spread 12"-18" wide. Because they are upright and spreading in a short time, they look great in hanging pots or in planters in full sun. Diascia blooms in summer and needs moist, fertile soil. Extra water needed during hot spells. Prune after bloom period to keep the plant tidy and perhaps encourage a second bloom.