Common name: Howard McMinn Manzanita
Botanical name: Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'

This shrub is highly appreciated for its decorative characteristics, which include a dense show of small, pale pink urn-shaped flowers in winter and spring. One of its main often overlooked attractions of this plant is the mahogany-red to brown bark (which peels beautifully) that can be revealed with some internal pruning once the plant is mature . It's small, red fruit resembles the tike apple, appearing at the end of winter just as Spring is coming on. Evergreen, shiny leaves are very neat and tidy. It can reach 8' tall and 10 wide. It can be pruned to desired size. This shrub attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It does best in full sun in coastal areas and afternoon shade in warm, inland areas with well draining soil. Established plants need little or no water in coastal areas and occasional watering in warmer areas.

Common name: Sea Dahlia
Botanical name: Coreopsis maritima

Coreopsis maritima, 1'-3' high, is a fast growing, herbaceous perennial but summer deciduous. It has deeply lobed, featherlike leaves and a striking yellow bloom. Sea Dahlia grows best in coastal areas.

Common name: Ray Hartman California Lilac
Botanical name: Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'

Growing vigorously as either a large shrub or small tree, the Ray Hartman has big, round, dark green leaves and medium blue, delicate flowers in 3"-5" clusters that bloom in winter and spring. It grows to 12' high and 8'-10' wide. This cultivar has good tolerance for heat; it needs occasional deep watering with good drainage. It does well in coastal as well as inland valley gardens. Deer love new foliage. Plant in full to part sun; it is not fussy about soil, growing in clay as well as sandy soil.