Great points made on the Japanese Maples. Not the best choice for our climate and a little "Done to Death", but I'm sure that my point of view is in the minority. Agonis flexuosa ‘After Dark’ is a great plant. Try it with Adenanthos sericeus, Lomandra 'Little Pal' (on mass) with a scattering of Macropidia fulginosa for some Down Under Razzle-Dazzle... Year Round. Love it when I get plant combo suggestions. Had to look up the Adenathos and Macropidia. I like the Adenathos - sort of like a hipper version of a daylily.

Awesome! I knew you'd you'd be up for a few cut fingers dabbling with the razor sharp edge of innovation. I plan on installing a good sized area with UC Verde in the central valley in the next few months and irrigating it with some super cool MP Rotators. If in doubt - try it out on your relatives first! Looking forward to swapping stories. The central valley sounds perfect for this grass. One of my Orinda clients has also decided to go with UC Verde instead of traditional lawn - in fact, they may be installing this week. If the weather stays hot it might even be filled in by September or October. We're also using MP Rotators instead of netafim. Great minds thinking alike?

I love living in America - It's full of 'Big Brother' fearing citizens communicating to the world all of their hopes, dreams and daily doings. Social media is saving the NSA millions :P Sand, silt and clay folks. Fingers are for getting dirty and picking noses if under five years of age... oh and the occasional blog.

More importantly, look at those Anigozanthos. Advance Australia Fair!

Ask not what the Aesculus can do for you but what you could do for the Aesculus! Let’s forget about the wildlife benefit and the drought resistance and address the issue of design worthiness. This plant is an all season performer and those who say it isn't should be spanked with the Western Garden Book. Winter: Aesculus is the first to leaf out when all other show ponies are tucked under the comforter waiting for the rain to stop. It’s the first sign that spring is on it way and brings green back to the skyline. Spring: The tree is covered with blooms which upon closer inspection are incredibly intricate. Wait for the bees to move and get your nose into one. The fragrance is worth bottling. Summer: Correct, leaf drop but who wears a coat to the beach on a hot day? Finally, one brave plant that is willing to go skinny dipping in the horticultural pool. In place of the leaves, Aesculus proudly showcases it's deeply polished fruits which emerge from thick fleshy cases. These decorate the trees on mass and are easily cleaned up when they finally drop. Mid summer through winter: Now you have the stunning silver bark which when contrasted against a plain dark colored wall offers contrast suitable for any contemporary garden space. With silhouette lighting the effect is incredible. Having an Aesculus growing within a traditional garden won't work but combining it with Nassella cernua (Nodding Needlegrass) in a grove or allée will have both native plants enthusiasts and Garden Design magazine beating down your door. Now who’s first for the Western Garden Book?