Common name:Shalina Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Shaina'
This magnificient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves that have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Later, they turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20' and requires shelter from hot winds.
Common name:Spanish Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula stoechas
This dense shrub grows 2'-3' tall with blue-grey foliage and deep purple flowers that have large showy bracts in spring and summer near the top of the spikes. It has low watering needs once it's established. It prefers full sun. Foliage is aromatic.
Common name:Santa Barbara or Mexican Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus
This low mounding perennial, with fine leaves and white to pinkish daisy-like flowers, is an excellent asset to rock gardens.
Common name:Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Gras
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus sinensis is popular ornamental grass. Red flowers are held well above foliage clumps, appearing in summer, and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements. Miscanthus needs full sun and watering at least once a week and more during hot summers. Foliage is variegated, with a thin white band down the center. This grass does great in coastal as well as warm inland valleys.
Common name:Lamb's Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina
This tiny shrub will grow less than 1' tall and has medium-size, greyish-green leaves with blue and lavender flowers that bloom in the spring. This shrub is grown more for its velvety leaves than the flowers. It is drought tolerant once it's established. Be careful not to overwater.
Common name:Germander Sage
Botanical name:Salvia chamaedryoides
Low mounding perennial with long bloom spreads by underground runners. Produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have spicy fragrance. Native to eastern Mexico 7-9000' in desert habitat Grows to mature size of 2' tall and wide. Heaviest bloom in spring and early fall, intermittent throughout the rest of the season. Full sun, well drained site. No fertilizer. Drought tolerant.
Gravel makes for a good walk way surface and is also permeable to water.