Primarily used as a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic shrub forming a low cushion of tiny, pointed, glossy blue-green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. Blooming profusely from early to mid-summer, it features clusters of tiny, deep pink-purplish flowers. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. Evergreen in mild winters

Iris sibirica 'Caesar's Brother' (Siberian Iris) is a clump-forming perennial with stunning, deep, velvety violet flowers from late spring to early summer. Introducing drama in the garden, each sturdy flower stalk produces many dainty blossoms, well above the foliage of upright, grassy, swordlike leaves. After blooming, the grass-like foliage remains fresh-looking and attractive all season. Spectacular when planted in groups, this lovely Siberian Iris adds drama and vertical interest to the landscape.

One of the most popular variety of Chinese Silver Grasses, 'Gracillimus' is a spectacular ornamental grass grown for its abundant, purple-flushed, flower plumes on display in late summer. They delicately change to silver as they mature and provide excellent winter interest. They rise gracefully, well above an elegant foliage of narrow, arching, green leaves with white midribs. A fabulous focal point in the garden! Easily grows in a lovely, dense fountain-like clump, up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm). Drought tolerant and deer resistant

Well-behaved and highly charming, Blue Oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is a showy ornamental grass that grows in attractive, round clumps of gracefully arching narrow steel blue leaves. Resembling Blue Fescue (Festuca Glauca) but significantly bigger, it is the best of the mid-sized blue-leaved grasses. Semi-evergreen, it requires little care while providing ornamental qualities much prized by gardeners. Delicate open panicles of small, straw-colored spikelets appear in early-mid summer, held about 2ft. (60 cm) above the foliage on slender, arching stems. Easily growing in a dense 2-3 feet tall (60-90 cm) fountain-like clump, this western Mediterranean native is salt and drought tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant.

Highly popular, English Lavender 'Hidcote' is a free flowering variety that is prized by most gardeners for its long-lasting and delightful scent as well as the fashion in which its dark purple flower spikes beautifully contrast with its blue-green evergreen foliage. Hidcote is a perfect choice for low hedges, edging or creating borders. Excellent for crafts and dried flowers as they retain their color. Blooms once in late spring or early summer. May have a second and third flush of flowers during the season if the flowers are cut soon enough.

A great pick! Compact, and extremely fragrant with rosy purple flowers, Lavender 'Munstead' is very attractive throughout the year. Introduced in 1916 by the garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, this small cultivar grows well in containers and is a great choice for hedges or knot gardens. Excellent for potpourris or dried arrangements as it retains its color. Blooms twice starting in late spring or early summer. Lavenders blooming twice are known to have a full second flush of blooms after the flowers of the first bloom have been harvested.

Award-winner Sedum 'Herbstfreude' or 'Autumn Joy' is probably one of the best of all border sedums. Vigorous, hardy, carefree, good-looking, with a season of interest lasting more than 6 months from early summer until well into winter, who could resist? Easy to grow, this standout perennial forms a 2 feet tall (60 cm) clump of thick, fleshy blue-green foliage topped with flower buds resembling broccoli. Gradually, these densely clustered buds will reveal tiny, star-like soft raspberry pink flowers in mid to late summer, which will softly change to rich rose and then coppery-rust in the fall as they die.

Reminiscent of the desert sun in Arizona, Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Arizona Sun' (Blanket Flower) produces 3 in. wide (7 cm), single flowers with mahogany red rays adorned with a golden-yellow ring at their tips. This short-lived perennial is renowned for its profuse, long-lasting, colorful mounds of bright flowers atop attractive gray-green foliage from early summer to fall. Rich in nectar, the flowers are real magnets for butterflies!

Regarded as one of the best California Lilacs for gardens, award-winner Ceanothus 'Concha' is a dense, evergreen shrub noted for its abundant clusters of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer. Opening from reddish purple buds, the flowers are so profuse that they literally cover the bush, transforming the plant in an explosion of blue. The blooms are borne on gracefully ascending, arching branches clad with small, dark green leaves. A glorious and reliable California Lilac.