Common name: Garden or Common Sage
Botanical name: Salvia officinalis
This shrubby perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and 1'-2.5' wide. It has gray green, aromatic, wrinkled leaves that are white and hairy underneath and clusters of bluish purple, pink or white (depending on cultivar) flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. Sage tolerates full sun but prefers afternoon shade in hot areas. It needs well draining, dry soil. Leaves are considered for medicinal and culinary uses. Butterflies love this plant.
Common name: Waxleaf Privet
Botanical name: Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'
This dense, evergreen shrub reaches 6'-8' tall and 4'-6' wide. Waxleaf Privet has dark green, leathery, evergreen leaves that make a great privacy hedge. White fragrant flowers bloom in spring and summer. Bees love these flowers! Blue black berries follow bloom season. Part of this shrub may be poisonous if ingested. It prefers full sun to light shade with a medium amount of watering, more in hot summer months.
Common name: Bearded Iris
Botanical name: Iris x germanica Hybrids
This perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium sized, blue green leaves with flowers of very diverse colors that bloom in spring. It needs well draining soil and full sun. Many are fragrant and rebloom several times a year. Plant rhizomes in Sept or Oct. They need water once a week during the hot spells. Top dress with compost and gypsum in January and August.