Plant Palettes

Ceanothus - California Lilac

California Native: Plants from California's many and diverse plant communities, including Chaparral, Coastal, Oak Woodland, Redwood Woodland, Riparian and Sierra Nevada to name a few. Visit the Natives page to learn more about the way I design with natives.



Mediterranean Mix Container Planting

Mediterranean Mix: Plants from regions with climates similar to that of California, namely Mediterranean Europe, Australia, South Africa and Chile, in combination with California native plants.



Italian Cypress, Lavender, Vitex

Mediterranean Europe: Classic garden plants such as Olive, Italian Cypress, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and many other perennial favorites.

Kniphofia - Torch Plant

Southern Hemiphere: Plants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The flora native to these these regions combine especially well together and are noted for their bold and unusual shapes. Familiar examples would be Kangaroo Paws and many succulent species.



Brugmansia - Angel's Trumpet

Tropical: Plants from tropical areas throughout the world, such as South America, Mexico, India, and the Pacific Islands that are adapted to the California climate.



Mixed Perennials

Perennials: Formal or naturalistic perennial gardens using garden favorites as well as new introductions - can be combined with Roses.



Magnolia soulangiana - Saucer Magnolia

Temperate Climate: Plants from China, Japan, Europe and the eastern United States. Japanese gardens would incorporate plants from this palette.



Stone Planters for Fruit Trees on Slope, Perennials at Wash

Edible: There are many ways to creatively incorporate fruit bearing trees, edible flowers, vegetables and herbs into the landscape design in order to afford the opportunity to eat from the garden year 'round. 



Prickly Pear Cactus, Red Yucca

Desert: California natives as well as other desert plants are used to create plant palettes for desert areas of the state. Plants like Desert Willow and Red Yucca not only offer soft, lovely flower color but are attractive to hummingbirds and Prickly Pear Cactus produces edible fruit.

Lady beetles rest on colorful slope cover during winter months. The red tubular flowers are favored by hummingbirds as well.

Pollinator: Plants specifically chosen to attract benefical insects, butterflies, birds, hummingbirds and other pollinators. These planting plans include trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, vines and bulbs that flower throughout the year, thereby providing nectar and food sources year 'round.