Calandrinia spectabilis

A fabulous succulent that can enthrall even those who don't think succulents are anything they are capable of enjoying! Flowering almost 12 months out of the year and remaining evergreen in mild climates, this almost shrubby succulent is graced with long tall stems bearing 2," cerise, cup-shaped flowers in profusion. The leaves are a beautiful blue-green, so even when the plant is not in bloom (it does look better if you periodically deadhead) it's still a very handsome addition to the dry garden. Calandrinia spectabilis can endure regular waterings and looks its best with an annual side-dressing of compost.

Sun. Low/Avg water.
USDA Zones 9-11

Nicotiana species

This tall pink weirdo caught us all by surprise last year. We thought it would be a 3' tall annual, but then it just kept growing. Much to our surprise, our plant sprang up to 6' tall, and we started getting pictures from customers hither and yon who had 9' tall specimens springing up in their gardens as well! The suprises kept coming - it didn't stop blooming all Winter. Yes, all Winter during the freezing, deathly cold. This year it has developed a stout 3" diameter TRUNK. Our conclusion can only be that this unassuming "annual" is really more of a tree, perhaps acting more like a Brugmansia than, say, any of the other Nicotianas we grow.

Sun/Part shade.Low/Reg. water.
USDA zones 9-11

Stipa barbata
"Silver Feather Grass"

There are some among us who turn up their noses at grasses, thinking they're too plain, too simple, too boring.But there's no one in their right mind who would use such words to describe this lovely rarity. In bloom it produces a fine truss of silky plumes that wave and shine in the sun and wind. It's certainly the most distinguished grass we grow and after this crop, who knows when we'll have more! Full Sun and average water is best. An annual top-dressing of compost will ensure that the plant looks its shiny best and make sure you don't overcrowd it, because although it's relatively slight, it needs room to "breathe."

Sun. Avg. water. Perennial
USDA zones 6-10