Been admiring the colorful trees you see blooming all around town this month? Well, this is the year to buy one for your own garden.

Crape myrtle is a beautiful drought-resistant tree for small-space gardens in interior valleys. (It will get mildew along the coast.) It blooms in white and bright shades of pink and red from July through August. Its lovely gray-brown bark peels off yearly to soft pink. Look for the plants while they're in bloom.

Among the cassias that can be grown here the gold medallion tree (Cassia leptophylla) is the most dramatic. It's best in a warm, sheltered spot and when watered deeply and infrequently, but it will grow in lawns if it has excellent drainage.

Along the coast flame eucalyptus (Eucalyptus ficifolia) can grow in tough wind and still bloom magnificently. Pick out what color you would like now, if possible. The orangy red is gorgeous viewed against the sea. Grow it with a single trunk, or, if desired, cut it back to make a huge multibranched shrub. It blooms on and off all year. The eucalyptus beetle prefers gum eucalypts and usually doesn't attack this unless it's under stress from drought.

Come on in and check with us for the best suitability for your own garden. We'd love to help!