Common name:White Birch, European White Birch
Botanical name:Betula pendula

This medium-size weeping tree will grow to about 40' tall and has a whitish/brown bark with deciduous green leaves. This plant has high water needs when in a full sun situation. It is best used along riparian or pond areas, in wet soils, or on properties with high rainfall or water tables.

Common name:Liquidambar, American Sweet Gum
Botanical name:Liquidambar styraciflua

A tall, deciduous tree of upright, pyramidal habit, the liquidamber has dark green, maple-like leaves that turn beautiful shades of red and yellow in the fall season. It can be used as a single specimen, hedge, or grouped plant.

Common name:Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Royal Purple Smokebrush is a large shrub with handsome, oval purple leaves all summer and silvery-purple clouds of seed heads in fall. Subject to winter dieback. Best in protected location. Needs full sunlight. -Fort Collins Nursery

Common name:Flowering Maple, Chinese Lantern
Botanical name:Abutilon hybrids

These evergreen shrubs usually grow to 8-10' tall and as wide. Most will tolerate frost to 25 degrees F or lower with some damage. All are irresistible to hummingbirds with their showy flowers and heavy nectar production. They will take sun to moderately deep shade and little or no summer watering in coastal areas. They should be given more shade and water in hotter, drier climates. They make an excellent plant for containers or hanging baskets. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Hybrid Tea Rose (selections)
Botanical name:Rosa Hybrid Tea varieties

These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care. They can be used in a water-conserving garden with careful attention to irrigation practices.

Common name:Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria
Botanical name:Alstroemeria hybrids

The decidupous rhizomes of this Peruvian lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to part sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12-36" For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Moterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata

Makes a bold statement in the garden because of its tropical form. Even light frost can damage succulent leaves. Great for containers. In the low desert partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in ground to root. Not a fast grower. Light green foliage. This will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk. Soil tolerant. Unarmed. From Mexico Central Jalisco.

Common name:Jade Plant
Botanical name:Crassula ovata

Crassula argentea is a evergreen shrub that grows to 2' to10' tall and 3' to 6' wide with light green leaves. It like full sun, low watering, and will live in any type of well drained soil. Frost tender.