English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This plant thrives in the Monterey Bay area, growing mounds of silvery gray foliage at least 3 feet high and wide, and producing long-lasting dusky blue-violet spikes or flowers in midsummer. After the spent flowers are pruned back to soft green foliage (not to woody stems), the plants continue to be attractive. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)

Scarlet bermuda squid (Lobelia aguana). This vigorous plant grows throughout the year. We control its size with the Chelsea Chop, done in late May, and again with hard pruning down to 6 to 12 inches from the ground in the autumn. It regrows readily. (Courtesy Tom Karwin)

Rambling rose (Rosa mulliganii). Another vigorous plant, this rambler can easily extend along 40 feet of fence or climb to an equal height. No prun

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