Common name: Catmint
Botanical name: Nepeta x faassenii

Nepeta faassenii makes soft, grey-green, undulating mounds to 1.5' high in bloom, spreading 3'-4' wide. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in summer. Catmint can be planted in sun or shade and needs medium amount of water. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Common name: Chinese Wisteria
Botanical name: Wisteria sinensis

This deciduous vine can quickly and aggressively reach 30' and wide, depending on conditions. It bears rounded clusters of strongly fragrant flowers which open more or less all at once. Cultivars have blue, pink, white, purple or lavender colors, attracting hummingbirds in spring, followed by leafing out of foliage which are usually leaflets, followed by velvety, long, drooping pods. This vine can tolerate full sun to part shade, preferring well draining, rich, moist soil. But it is very reliable and can take drought conditions if established. It looks great in containers and even as a bonsai specimen.

Common name: Improved Meyer Lemon
Botanical name: Citrus x 'Improved Meyer'

Improved Meyer Lemon is an evergreen tree that grows 10' tall and 10-12' wide; it has year-around leaves that are glossy green. This tree likes well drained, loam soil with full sun. Lemon trees do best with lots of mulch around it. Water with drip irrigation or moving a hose around the base. When it's established, water this way, 2 times a month. It has white flowers and yellow edible fruit. Needs protection from the winter cold. Consider using as a potted tree which can brought inside in the winter. Pick up fruit on ground immediately to prevent fungus disease infecting fruit. Fertilize 4 times a year.

Common name: Cape Plumbago
Botanical name: Plumbago auriculata

Plumbago auriculata is an evergreen, climbing shrub native to South Africa that has been introduced in tropical and subtropical climates of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental, and is used in traditional medicine and as a source of dye. It has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized outside of its native range.

Common name: Western Redbud
Botanical name: Cercis occidentalis

This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green, turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!

Common name: Russian Sage
Botanical name: Perovskia x atriplicifolia

This broad perennial will grow 3'-6' tall and has small, grey-green leaves with blue-violet flowers that bloom in the summer. Foliage is aromatic if brushed against it. Also known as Azure Sage.

Common name: Zebra Grass
Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus'

This grass can grow up to 6' in height and 3-4 feet in width. This variety has a white stripe on the leaf traveling horizontally. Looks great planted with plants of dark colored leaves.