Common name: Bauer's Dracaena
Botanical name: Cordyline baueri

Bauer's Dracaena grows to 10' high, and is topped with a 3-4' wide crown of evergreen burgundy leaves. In summer, there are clusters of fragrant white flowers. This perennial tends to get leggy so it should be underplanted with lower growing plants. It tolerates full to part sun, moist and well draining soil. When established, this plant has low water needs. It looks great in containers and near swimming pools. It tolerates coastal conditions. It does not tolerate frost so move indoors to protect it unless you live in a frost-free area.

Common name: Japanese Aralia
Botanical name: Fatsia japonica

This evergreen shrub has large, glossy, fan-like leaves that grow to 16" wide. It has a moderate growth rate to a size of 5'-8' tall and wide that can be kept lower with occasional pruning. It has a very lush, tropical appearance, and grows well in partial shade. During winter, white flowers appear followed by black berries. Looks great in containers or in shade gardens or even as a houseplant near window with good lighting. This shrub does best with moist, acidic, well draining, fertile soil. It does not tolerate full sun or wind. When established, it will tolerate drought and urban pollution.

Common name: Leather Leaf Sedge
Botanical name: Carex buchananii

This orange-bronze ornamental grass/reed is 2-3' tall and 1-2' wide and does best in full sun to part shade. It needs moist soil so plant near a water feature or pond.

Common name: Kangaroo Paw 'Yellow'
Botanical name: Anigozanthos 'Yellow'

This herbaceous perennial can reach 4'-6' tall and 2'-3' wide. Kangaroo Paw has strap-like leaves and fuzzy tubular-shaped, yellow flowers that bloom in spring and fade as summer progresses. They can be used for cut or dried flowers. The flowers have nectar which attract hummingbirds. Kangaroo Paw does well in full sun and looks great in borders, mass plantings, and in pots. It can do well in drought tolerant conditions. It prefers sandy soil and deep, infrequent watering.

Common name: Western Meadow Sedge
Botanical name: Carex praegracilis

This California native grass can tolerate occasional flooding or standing water as it is found in marshes and wetlands. It does make a great lawn substitute as it can be mowed, will take sun and part sun and need watering once a week in hot summer months. This sedge uses much less water than sod. It can be used for erosion control also.