Oriental fountain grass ( Pennisetum orientale) puts out white plumes that mature to khaki. Flame grass ( Miscanthus sinensis 'Purpurascens') has green foliage that turns flaming orange just before frost; it lines the inside of the low wall (pictured below). Both take the place of lawn in the Behymers' garden.

In summer, black-eyed Susan ( Rudbeckia hirta) infuses the garden with brilliant yellow daisylike blooms. Gaura lindheimeri 'Siskiyou Pink' sends up willowy stems flecked with maroon buds that open to pink flowers resembling butterflies. 'Autumn Joy' sedum takes over in fall, when its pinkish flowers turn rusty brown.

The Japanese maple at the far end of a privacy wall is surprisingly drought-tolerant. During winter and spring, a Viburnum tinus to the left of the entry puts out tight clusters of pink buds that open to fragrant white blooms. Drifts of Genista lydia bear yellow flowers in late spring. Sedum spurium 'Red Carpet' surrounds the flame grass.