I need help with planting/design suggestions for a large flower bed at our new home's entry. It is 10x15 with water available. We are interested in drought tolerant/low maintenance pernnials to provide some structure but need it to be an attractive focal point to up the curb appeal. We are interested in some planted pots to add a pop of color!
All my experience is in the Pacific Northwest and don't know what is best in Central California! The flower bed faces south and is between the entry porch, the garage, and the walkway. We need help

Hi Rick, to NGA

I was born and raised in the Central Valley (Sacramento, Turlock and Oakdale).

What kind of look are you going for? You could use palm trees (such as windmill palms or queen palms) or sego palms, agave and yuccas or cactus. Mugho pines, junipers, olive trees, manzanita... all evergreen. Put in a couple large glazed bowls planted with annuals for summer color.

One of my favorites for summer color is Alstrameria although it does go dormant in the winter. Holly Ferns and Japanese Maples are a possibility. Both dormant in winter.

Am I going in the right direction?

Daisy

I thought of a couple more: Crepe Myrtle and Toyon.

Gee..i wish the front of my house was south.protected from frost gives you a great more diversity. Easter lillies are nice.about 2 foot tall.not the kind you by at easter.if you plant the kind you buy at easter they will grow about 4 to 6 feet tall.
But need to be protected from frost and direct hot summer sun. Violets evergreen variety are about 8 inches tall bloom little purple or white flowers perty much year round .with your southern exposure probably all year.good easy to control ground cover.be good in a pot with say a rose . they would grow an hang over the pot.i think be cool.i got some to share.we could get together somewhere and i bring you a few im in fresno 1 mile from you.I'm retired so most anytime preferably morning . got more ideals to.Ok. philipwonel