Test PB Collection: FTE

Wild buckwheats bring many months of floral interest to Sonoma County gardens when several of the more than 125 species are planted.

Some oreganos are meant to savor and season foods while others are meant to admire. Originating in areas around the Mediterranean Basin, both types have identical cultural needs and do well in Sonoma County with its similar climate.

Helianthemum nummularium, commonly called sunrose, is one of the very few low-growing, sun-loving, evergreen shrubs for the garden. Plants reach about 1 ft. tall but spread 2-3 ft. wide.

Of all of the California native plants suitable for garden use, the genus Arctostaphylos, commonly called manzanita, is one of the most adaptable. (Manzanita means little apple in Spanish, so named for the small fruits.

Hellebores are easy-to-grow perennials treasured in Sonoma Countys Mediterranean climate for a profusion of winter and early spring blooms that keep gardens flowering year-round.

Japanese anemones (Anemone x hybrida) flower with delicate charm and refinement in late summer into falla time when most other late-blooming perennials are declining and ready to enter winter dormancy.

Considerable confusion has plagued the botanical name of Sedum Autumn Joy for some time, but currently the most accurate reference appears to be Hylotelephium spectabile Autumn Joy, though it is still sometimes listed Sedum telephium as well as Hylotelephium Herbstfreude.

Sunflowers in the Asteraceae family are easy to grow and favored as highlights in summer gardens. With spectacular heights and blossoms that turn their heads to follow the sun, they have also become a sought-after element for involving children in gardening.

Native to European Mediterranean regions, lavender is an easy-to-grow favorite for Sonoma County gardeners. It is impressively deer resistant and requires little water. Snails shun it. Bees and butterflies love it. Flower wands give a lovely fresh scent to any room.

While many California natives and Mediterranean flora are drought tolerant during our long dry season, a preponderance of these is not summer-bloominga goal sought after by a good many gardeners.