Common name: Bay Laurel
Botanical name: Laurus nobilis

This aromatic tree or large shrub is composed of a cluster of many straight, branched stems. Sweet Bay is densely pyramidal in shape with dark, glossy green leaves which are used in cooking.

Common name: Island Bush Snapdragon
Botanical name: Gambelia speciosa

Island Snapdragon is an evergreen perennial that grows from 2'-3' high and 3'-5' across with red spring and summer flowers. In coastal areas, this plant acts as a ground cover. It can spill over a retaining wall or a hillside. Looks great in containers. This plant needs partial shade in hot inland areas. It tolerates clay, loam, rocky or sandy soil, thus making it a versatile plant in many areas. It is a California native that is drought tolerant but will look better with additional summer water. It attracts hummingbirds in a big way.. Prune in winter so it is not so woody. Fast growing.

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: Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Daisy
Botanical name: Erigeron karvinskianus

This low mounding perennial is used as a ground cover since it reaches 2' tall and spreads 5'. It has fine textured, green leaves and white to pinkish, daisy-like flowers with gold centers that bloom spring through fall in coastal areas. In warmer, inland areas, the plant appears to be semi-dormant but will perk up as soon as the weather starts to cool. Control its growth with watering as it can be invasive in some areas. It looks best in full sun in coastal areas but prefers afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It attracts bees. This is a great plant for rock gardens, planters, containers, or spilling over walls.

Common name: Japanese Maple
Botanical name: Acer palmatum

This magnificient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons.

Common name: Coast Live Oak
Botanical name: Quercus agrifolia

The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen, round-headed tree with regal bearing. It can reach 25'-80' high and 25-40' wide and grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. Strong herculean branches adorn mature trees casting much appreciated summer shade. It attracts wildlife in droves.