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).

Autumn Sage, Salvia x jamensis ‘Hot Lips’   Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info) Genus: Salvia (SAL-vee-uh) (Info) Species: x jamensis Cultivar: Hot Lips   Synonym:Salvia microphylla   Category: Tropicals and Tender Perennials   Height: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)   Spacing: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm)   Hardiness: USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: …

Bing is a cultivar of the wild or sweet cherry (Prunus avium) that originated in the Pacific Northwest, in Milwaukie, Oregon, United States. The Bing remains a major cultivar in Oregon, Washington, California, Wisconsin and British Columbia. It is the most produced variety of sweet cherry in the United States. The Bing cherry is not self-fertile (you need another cherry …

Strawberry