Common name:Bear's Breech, Acanthus
Botanical name:Acanthus mollis

This perennial produces large clusters of glossy foliage that is deeply lobed. Its leaves may reach lengths of 2'. The tall, purplish-white flower spikes are usually seen in late spring to early summer. Can be presented as an accent plant. An affective shade loving herbaceous shrub. Establishes in oak woodlands.

Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificent plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.

Common name:Cape Rush
Botanical name:Chondropetalum tectorum

Chondropetalum tectorum has 3-4 ft. tall stems that shoot out in all directions from the roots. Each stem has papery bracts connected to the endes that turn from tan to dark drown, then fall off. Chondropetalum can grow in marshes, in the ground with regular watering, or in drought conditions.

Common name:Christmas Rose
Botanical name:Helleborus niger

This perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has dark green leaves with flowers that come in a variety of colors and bloom in winter and spring.

Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'

Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.