Common name: Eastern Redbud
Botanical name: Cercis canadensis

This small, deciduous tree with a rounded head is covered with small flowers of a rose pink color in the spring before the appearance of heart-shaped leaves. It can grow to 25' tall with an equal spread. It has a low branching habit with a rounded form. During fall, foliage turns yellow. Eastern Redbud lives about 20 years. This is a great patio tree or for a small front yard.

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: Columbine
Botanical name: Aquilegia hybrids

Large, spurred flowers with clear colors of white, lavender, yellow, deep red and pink are borne on 2 1/2' tall plants. The strikingly beautiful blooms make good cut flowers. They require partial shade, well draining, moist soil. This lovely perennial is great in a woodland setting with ferns or Heuchera. It will go dormant in summer if water or heat stressed. Plants reseed.

Common name: Foothill Penstemon
Botanical name: Penstemon heterophyllus

This perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has long slender green, deciduous foliage with blue violet colored flowers that bloom from spring through early summer. It does well in full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established. It tolerates coastal, desert and mountain areas. Do not over fertilize. It needs well draining soil. Birds love this plant too!

Common name: Hidcote English Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Deep violet-purple flower spikes fill the air with their sweet, intoxicating fragrance all summer long. Though this cultivar has been grown for over 50 years, it remains one of the most popular today. Its compact habit and relatively short stature makes it a good choice for edging. Lavender has been grown for centuries for its intensely fragrant flowers and beautiful appearance. It is a staple item of every sunny garden, and its dried flowers are widely used in potpourris and arrangements.