Astilbe flowers have their tall, fluffy plumes that tower above frilly, fern-like foliage in the shade garden. These attractive flowers make great companions for other shade-tolerant plants, such as hosta and hellebores, with contrasting foliage and coordinating blooms. Twenty-five species of Astilbe exist, with hundreds of hybrids available. Some are borne on arching stems, while others are erect. Astilbe flowers …

Grape Hyacinth is one of the first spring flowers and has a great fragrance. The first time you plant them should be in November. The plants naturalize (meaning that the next year’s flowers are the same). Severe poisoning from hyacinth or tulip poisoning is often seen when dogs dig up freshly planted bulbs or having access to a large bag …

Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 10 where it is easily grown in humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Best with regular and even moisture. Year-round temperatures of 60-80 F. Trim off new stem tips regularly to retain compact shape and form. Remove flower spikes after bloom.

Common Cosmos, Mexican Aster. Cosmos are annuals, grown for their showy flowers. The flowerheads may be bowl– or open cup–shaped and are atop of long stems. Cosmos are easy to grow and make good border or container plants. They make for good decorations in flower arrangements and also attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden.   Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee) (Info) …

Our native Pacific Coast irises include 11 species that produce flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, lavender, even USC-worthy cardinal and gold. Most of the Pacific Coast irises, or Pacificas, sold in California are from a single species, Iris douglasiana. To learn about the foliage and flower distinctions behind each species classification, there is no better source than the …

Ranunculus are easy to grow and provide fresh cut flowers. Lots of colors, straight stems, long vase life and copious blooms. In return, these lacy-leafed plants will ask for sunshine, moderate temperatures and very light watering. Your borders and beds will look great, your office desk will sport fresh flowers for pennies and your neighbor will be by asking for …

Hot Pepper, Capsicum annuum ‘Spanish Spice’. A mild but flavorful pepper. Prepare the same as Padron chiles: Heat in skillet with olive oil until the skin is blistered, then sprinkle with sea salt.

Anna Russion. An heirloom oxheart variety from Brenda Hillenius, of Oregon, who got from her grandfather, Kenneth Wilcox, who received seeds from a Russian immigrant. An excellent, gorgeous tomato. Early maturing for a heart-shaped tomato, the large, visually beautiful, pink-red fruit normally weighs about 1 pound. Superb rich old-fashioned, tomatoey flavors with lots of juice. Days: 70 Type: Indeterminate From …

Pansy, Viola x wittrockiana   Family: Violaceae (vy-oh-LAY-see-ee) (Info) Genus: Viola (vy-OH-la) (Info) Species: x wittrockiana (wit-rok-ee-AH-na) (Info)   Category: Annuals Tropicals and Tender Perennials   Height: under 6 in. (15 cm) 6-12 in. (15-30 cm)   Spacing: 6-9 in. (15-22 cm)   Hardiness: USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) …

Belladonna Lily, Pink Lady, Naked Lady, Amaryllis belladonna. In winter, the bulbs produce many leaves. The leaves die off by March. In the hot dry days of August, thick stocks shoot up from the bare ground (hence Naked Ladies).