These planting beds were originally added to reduce the size of the lawn and to increase aesthetic interest along a heavily traveled walkway and road.  Despite the influence of the large redwood trees  there was enough sunlight to install some sun-loving plants. The habitat friendly butterfly bushes and the Tuscan blue rosemary shrubs (edible, habitat-friendly) help screen the fencing in the background. The day lilies have edible buds. The lamiastrum provides soil protection and serves as a low, variegated, edging hedge. The crape myrtle creates a bright focal point from late summer to mid-fall.