Common name: Thread Leaf Coreopsis
Botanical name: Coreopsis verticillata 'Golden Shower'

This bushy, full-branched perennial will grow 2' tall and wide; it has threadlike, delicate looking leaves that densely clothe the plant, even to its feet. Clusters of yellow flowers with gold central centers bloom in summer. This plant does best in full sun with well draining, dry or moist, sandy or rocky soil. Reliable and hardy. Butterflies love this plant.

Common name: Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper Tree
Botanical name: Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste Tree is not a tree but a deciduous shrub that quickly grows to 20' tall and wide. It has beautiful, fragrant lavender or white flowers in summer which is striking against the gray green, slender, pointed leaves. Butterflies love this shrub too. It full sun and medium amount of watering, more in summer. It tolerates coastal conditions but needs heat to look its best. Prune spent flowers to keep it tidy looking.

Common name: Sea Pink
Botanical name: Armeria maritima

This clumping, grass-like perennial is native to many areas, including coastal California. Its flowers range from deep rose pink to white.

Common name: Germander Sage
Botanical name: Salvia chamaedryoides

This low mounding perennial with a long bloom period, spreads by underground runners. It produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have a spicy fragrance. Germander Sage reaches 2' tall and wide. Heaviest blooms are in spring and early fall, but intermittent throughout the year. It requires full sun, well draining soil and is drought tolerant once it's established. Do not fertilize.

Common name: Australian Bluebell Creeper
Botanical name: Sollya heterophylla

The Australian Bluebell Creeper is a spreading evergreen shrub that grows 2'-3' tall, or a climbing vine that grows to 8' tall with support. It has attractive, glossy green foliage and blue, bell-shaped summer flowers. This shrub can tolerate full sun on the coast and part shade inland. It can grow under Eucalyptus trees, and needs good drainage. The Australian Bluebell Creeper is also drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name: Dahlia (assorted)
Botanical name: Dahlia x hybrida

This perennial can grow up to 5' tall and produces full, large blooms that can be 10" in diameter for some varieties! Dahlias do well in warm but not hot and humid areas. They tolerate coastal areas. After the danger of frost has passed, plant tubers in full sun with wind protection. Dahlias do best with fertile, well draining, moist, acidic soil. Taller varieties may need to be stalked. Blooms appear in summer and fall. When first frost appears, dahlia foliage may turn black. Tubers may be left in ground in frost-free areas and covered with mulch. Otherwise, they should be dug up.

Common name: Bowles Mauve Wallflower
Botanical name: Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'

This shrubby evergreen perennial reaches a size of 3' tall and 4' wide with narrow, dark foliage and a dense habit. Its flowers always emerge as mauve purple, and are produced on 4' tall stalks. It blooms throughout warm months but can bloom continuously in mild climates. It should receive sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering. It is hardy to frost.

Common name: Common Sunflower
Botanical name: Helianthus annuus

Sunflowers can grow anywhere from 6'-15' tall on top of thick, sturdy stems. They have large, dark green leaves with bright yellow flowers with tender petals that bloom spring to summer. The flowers need direct sunlight, well draining, fertile, moist soil to encourage the best flowering. Bees, birds and butterflies love sunflower plants.