Common name:Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo Tree
Botanical name:Ginkgo biloba

The Ginkgo biloba, with its distinct fan-shaped leaves, initially grows with a pyramidal habit, but later becomes wide-spreading. It is generally not bothered by insects or disease. It slowly reaches 35'-50' tall and wide. It needs regular watering and more during hot summer months. Flowers are inconspicuous. Fall color is spectacular with changing color of leaves from light green with a yellow tinge to yellow.

Common name:Bitsy Daylily
Botanical name:Hemerocallis 'Bitsy'

This dependable perennial has thin, strap-like, grass-like leaves reaching 12"-18" tall. Bright yellow flowers, resembling lilies, are high above the foliage, making the overall height of this plant at 24" tall. Blooms appear in spring through fall, thus making this Hemerocallis variety very popular. It needs regular watering and more during hot summer months. It prefers full sun or light shade and will tolerate seaside conditions.

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

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the "Purpureus" is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters in summer. Its green foliage turns a brilliant purple and then yellow to red in the fall. This shrub is a show stopper! It prefers full sun but will do better with afternoon shade in hot inland areas. This attractive shrub is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificient 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. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. (2nd photo courtesy of Steve Mullany)