Common name: Heliotrope Black Beauty
Botanical name: Heliotropium arborescens 'Black Beauty'

'Black Beauty' is more upright in form than its cousins, reaching 2' tall and wide. It has very dark, purple, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring and fall. In cold winter areas, this plant may bloom all year long and is treated as an annual. Leaves are dark green and oval. Plant in full sun in coastal areas but provide afternoon shade in warmer, inland areas. This plant does best with fertile, moist, well draining soil. It is prone to mildew.

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: 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.

Common name: Chocolate Ruffles Coral Bells
Botanical name: Heuchera 'Chocolate Ruffles'

This perennial will grow to about 3' tall and 2' wide. It has dark, chocolate-colored, rounded, deeply cut leaves that change to purple with age. Is evergreen in warm winter climates. Tiny, white flowers appear on thin wiry stalks above the foliage in late spring and early summer. This clumping plant tolerates full sun in coastal areas but will appreciate afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It does best in well draining, fertile, moist soil. Mulch plant well in cold winter areas. Looks great in woodland gardens, in mass, and in borders. Established plants tolerate heat, humidity and drought.

Common name: Myers Asparagus
Botanical name: Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'

An evergreen groundcover, the 'Myers' also makes an excellent hanging basket plant when larger in size. Its formal looking fronds have an even, spiral arrangement of leaflets. It is damaged by severe frosts, and looks best with at least occasional watering.