Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificent 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. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.

Common name:Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena peruviana

This perennial forms a flat mat that covers an area rapidly. It has dark green leaves with clusters of bright flowers that bloom all year. Hybrids will have a little more height, different flower colors and spread more slowly. It is drought tolerant.

Common name:Swiss Mountain Pine
Botanical name:Pinus mugo

Pinus mugo is an evergreen tree or shrub that grows slowly. Needles are 2 in., dark green, stout, and crowded. Cones are 1-2 in., oval, and tawny to dark brown. Generally a bushy, twisted, somewhat open pine.