Common name:Gaura
Botanical name:Gaura lindheimeri

Gaura is a lovely addition to a perennial border, with its fine green foliage and delicate white to pink flowers. The plant has an open vase shape, and grows about 36 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide. Leaves are fine, green, and sometimes spotted with maroon. Flowers are arrayed on long stems and are reminiscent of butterflies; the blooms open from the bottom of the stems towards the top, over a long season of bloom (early summer to fall). Its airy quality creates movement in the garden. Combines well with other perennials and ornamental grasses. A number of named cultivars are now available, some with more distinctively pink flowers or variegated foliage.

Common name:Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet
Botanical name:Zauschneria garrettii 'Orange Carpet'

This superb Hummingbird Trumpet spreads like a groundcover to form a loose mat of low growing, bright green foliage, about 4 to 6 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide. In mid-to-late summer it lights up the garden with a profusion of bright orange flowers that last for many weeks. Regular watering (but not over-watering) when in bloom keeps the flowers coming. 'Orange Carpet' prefers some afternoon shade, especially at lower elevations. Originally selected by David Salman of High Country Gardens. This zauschneria is practically made for parkstrips.

Common name:Blue Spire Russian Sage
Botanical name:Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

'Blue Spire' is a selection of perovskia that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide (though it will grow larger if over-watered). New wood is white and fuzzy; leaves are a soft green to grey-green and finely cut, giving it an airy appearance. Flower spires of fuzzy, lavender blue flowers begin in June and continue through the summer months. Useful in the perennial or shrub border, with ornamental grasses, and as a cut flower.

Common name:Silvermound Artemisia
Botanical name:Artemisia schmidtiana

Silvermound is a perennial growing 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, in a dense, rounded, mounded clump. Its foliage is silvery green-grey and very ferny. Used in perennial borders; effective in containers. I admit, there are other artemisias I like so much more than Silvermound, but it is sweet in spring...

Common name:Red-leaf Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'

A thorny, deciduous shrub growing 4 to 6 feet tall and as wide. Foliage emerges in spring a bright red, and matures to a dark purplish red. Bell-shaped spring flowers are followed by shiny red, torpedo-shaped fruit that persists into winter. Its purplish-red leaves contrast beautifully against a dark green background. It prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This is a great barrier plant.

Common name:Needlegrass
Botanical name:Stipa comata

Common name:Gayfeather
Botanical name:Liatris spicata

Blazing Star is an upright, clumping perennial with grass-like foliage and distinctive spires of purple to violet flowers. Blooming in summer, the flowers form along the ends of tall stalks, creating a fluffy, feather-dusterish appearance. An excellent cut flower, it provides a delightful textural contrast in the sunny perennial border or meadow garden. Grows about 24 to 36 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Common name:Nevada Jointfir
Botanical name:Ephedra nevadensis

Nevada Jointfir is a western native related to the conifer, with grey-green stems and an open to rounded habit, growing about 3 feet tall and wide. It has small, nearly inconspicuous grey-green leaves and yellow flowers, with a moderate amount of conspicuous brown fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the spring, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are retained year to year.

Common name:Goldenrain Tree, Varnish Tree
Botanical name:Koelreuteria paniculata

Goldenrain Tree is an attractive, medium-sized tree well suited for parkstrips, patios, and small spaces. Dark green foliage is lacy and delicate looking, turning yellow in the fall. Upright yellow flower clusters bloom in the summer, followed by lantern shapeded seed pods. This dependable tree is attractive all year round, tolerating urban conditions and various soil types. Grows about 25 feet tall and wide.