Planting Plans: Transforming a Large Property with Functional Landscape Design

Meet the Plants of Skyline Meadow Farm

In “Transforming a Large Property into a Functional Landscape” (Fine Gardening, Fall 2026), designer Nina Mullen walks us through how her firm, Mullein Designs, turned four windswept, sun-scorched acres in the Oakland hills into a garden that feels both wild and deliberate. Behind that transformation is a carefully chosen plant palette — one built to withstand compacted clay, relentless wind, and recurring drought, while still delivering year-round color, texture, and habitat value.

Discover the varied plant palette that transforms this large property

Below, you’ll find IDs for the key plants featured throughout the article. Although you may not live in the same zone, many of these selections grow far outside of California. Most of the plants are resilient, low-water choices. This palette offers a master class in pairing natives with Mediterranean and drought-adapted ornamentals—proof that a garden built for survival can be every bit as striking as one built around abundance.

Read More: Planting Plans for 3 Modern Backyards

Wispy Plants Are the Best at Withstanding Wind

1. ‘Shell Dancer’ salvia (Salvia × jamensis ‘Shell Dancer’, Zones 7b–10)
2. Evergreen miscanthus (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis, Zones 6–9)
3. ‘Yankee Point’ California lilac (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Yankee Point’, Zones 8–10)
4. ‘Blue Gem’ coast rosemary (Westringia fruticosa ‘Blue Gem’, Zones 9–11)
5. Plane tree (Platanus cv., Zones 4–9)
6. Dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’, Zones 5–9)
7. Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia cv., Zones 6–9)
8. Mexican marigold (Tagetes lemmonii, Zones 8–11)

A Foundation Planting to Get Excited About

1. ‘Limelight’ licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’, Zones 9–11)
2. ‘Royal Purple’ smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, Zones 4–8)
3. ‘Cousin Itt’ acacia (Acacia cognata ‘Cousin Itt’, Zones 9–11)
4. Miscanthus (Miscanthus cv., Zones 6–9)
5. ‘Cousin Itt’ acacia (Acacia cognata ‘Cousin Itt’, Zones 9–11)
6. Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys, Zones 5–9)
7. Aeonium (Aeonium cv., Zones 9–11)
8. ‘Furman’s Red’ autumn sage (Salvia greggii ‘Furman’s Red’, Zones 7–11)
9. Treasure flower (Gazania cv., Zones 9–11)
10. Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis, Zones 7–11)

Hot Sun and Clay Soil Are No Match for These Colorful Stars

1. ‘Santa Barbara’ Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’, Zones 8b–10)
2. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica, Zones 6–10)
3. ‘Firebird’ penstemon (Penstemon × gloxinioides ‘Firebird’, Zones 6–10)
4. ‘Otto Quast’ Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas ‘Otto Quast’, Zones 7–9)
5. ‘Yankee Point’ California lilac (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Yankee Point’, Zones 8–10)
6. Red Rocket^® crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Whit IV’, Zones 6–9)
7. California bent grass (Agrostis densiflora, Zones 7–9)
8. ‘Amistad’ friendship sage (Salvia ‘Amistad’, Zones 8–11)
9. Germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides, Zones 8–10)
10. ‘John Edwards’ buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus ‘John Edwards’, Zones 8–10)
11. Fir (Abies cv., Zones 4–7b)

Fine Texture Softens Up an Expanse of Hardscape on a Large Property

1. ‘Morning Light’ coast rosemary (Westringia ‘Morning Light’, Zones 9–10)
2. ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass (Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Zones 4–9)
3. ‘Munstead’ lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’, Zones 5–9)
4. Jade plant (Crassula ovata, Zones 9–11)
5. Variegated mint bush (Prostanthera ovalifolia ‘Variegata’, Zones 9–11)
6. ‘Royal Purple’ smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, Zones 4–8)
7. ‘Cousin Itt’ acacia (Acacia cognata ‘Cousin Itt’, Zones 9–11)
8. Treasure flower (Gazania cv., Zones 9–11)

Photos by Jude Parkinson-Morgan Photography

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