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: Munstead Dwarf Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'

Rich lavender flower spikes fill the air with their sweet, intoxicating fragrance all summer long. Though this cultivar was introduced to the trade in 1916, it remains one of the most popular today. Its compact habit and relatively short stature makes it a good choice for edging. This is often said to be the hardiest variety of all Lavender. It is very similar to 'Hidcote'. 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: 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: Gray Lavender Cotton
Botanical name: Santolina chamaecyparissus

This ground cover/small shrub will grow to 3' tall and has small, grayish silver leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. A native of the Mediterranean region, Lavender Cotton has been cultivated in gardens since the sixteenth century. This slow growing shrub is very hardy . Its yellow flowers can be cut during or after they bloom in order to encourage fresh growth of the aromatic, gray foliage, which is not attractive to deer. Lavender Cotton's stems have been used for household moth repellent and to produce oil for perfume. The plant also responds well to shearing and is used in knot gardens and as a border for walkways and perennial beds.

Common name: Red Hot Poker
Botanical name: Kniphofia uvaria

This perennial will reach about 3' tall and has large green leaves with orange flowers that bloom in summer and fall.

Common name: Otto Quast Spanish Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast'

This round shrub will grow to about 1-2' high and has small, gray green leaves with purple flowers that bloom in summer. It is more prostrate than its parent Lavandula stoechas. The flowers resemble a purple pineapple! 'Otto Quast' is drought tolerant once it is established and cold tolerant to 5 degrees F.