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)

Common name:Austrian Pine
Botanical name:Pinus nigra

Pinus nigra reaches 10-50' tall and 5-20' wide. It is a slow to moderate growing pine tree. Young trees have a dense pyramid shape but change to a large, flat-topped tree with a short straight trunk and stout spreading branches. Foliage (needles) is deep green making it attractive in a garden. It does best in full sun with moist, well draining soil. Bark is light gray to dark brown.

Common name:Hybrid Tea Rose cultivar
Botanical name:Rosa Hybrid Tea selection

Hybrid tea roses are the traditional classic roses; buds are used for boutonnieres. These roses have long stems with a single rose at the end, which may or may not be fragrant. Blooms typically start in spring until fall. Many colors now available. Roses prefer full to part sun with well draining, rich soil. It needs fertilizer after each bloom period. It prefers medium watering and more in hot summer areas. Mulch well. Prune in winter. It usually grows 2'-6' tall.

Common name:Golden Variegated Forest Grass
Botanical name:Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

This weeping grass has amazing foliage that is yellow and green in the summer, yellow and light green in the fall, and bronzy brown in winter. It is drought tolerant and can be used in a variety of areas.