Top plants for summer color

'Hot Cocoa' rose

This floribunda rose bears red blossoms.

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'Moonshine' yarrow

The sunny hues of this Mediterranean perennial complement the violet-blue spikes of catmint (Nepeta).

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'Sally Holmes' rose

This vigorous white rose blooms in huge clusters.

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Feather reed grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora has a vertical growth habit and showy seed heads.

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Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow'

The bronzy-red Japanese barberry colors up best in full sun.

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Cabernet sauvignon grapes

This cluster shows the seeded, pearl-size grapes in various stages of ripeness.

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Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'

Like the rest of the sunflower family, this bright yellow perennial blooms all summer on little water.

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Pennisetum orientale

This pretty, midsize (2-foot) grass explodes with showy pink to white plumes.

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Sedum telephium

Dense flower clusters on sturdy stems rise above bright-green leaves. Blooms start out blush-colored, aging to coppery pink, then rust as weather cools. Plants reach 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. They are pretty beside asters.

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Coleonema pulchrum 'Sunset Gold'

Yellow foliage distinguishes this heathlike shrub with tiny pink flowers.

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Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow'

Deep violet-blue flowers cluster atop plants that grow 3 to 4 feet tall.

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Small-scale water features

Rustic fountains help make Mediterranean-style plantings look at home among California's golden hills. Because water is a precious resource in some parts of the country, using it respectfully in the garden is a tradition. Something lavish would have been out of character in this drought-tolerant landscape.

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Permeable hardscape

Every drop of rain that falls in this thirsty part of the country ought to go into the land. That's one reason gravel was used throughout the garden, rather than nonpermeable paving.

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Low-water shimmer

Shimmer: Fine-textured plants such as grasses reflect the sun brilliantly. Because they are used extensively in this garden, the whole landscape seems to dance with light.

Summer blondness: The garden acknowledges that blond is the natural color of summer in California. The tawny flower plumes of Calamagrostis x acutiflora (feather reed grass) match the amber hues of the hills.

Drought-tolerant plants: Most of the plants in the garden are moderate water users, even the shrub roses.

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Empty containers

In a hot climate, planted pots are hard to maintain, but empty ones look great.

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Shade

The best way to enjoy the sun is from a shaded location. These mature oaks shelter outdoor living areas. Swing seating under an oak is inviting on warm days.  

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