Very nice plant, I don't think it would grow well in my part of the country.

I agree with NHBabs. The red-stemmed plants look like a dewberry (Rubus) species. Those have canes that are arching to prostrate, with whip-like tips that can root when contacting the ground. Inflorescences are usually found in the middle third of the canes, with flowers expected Apr-May.

There are so many options..... California natives are a natural choice. The Las Pilitas website has a ton of good information to get you started. Look up Ceonothus, Rhamnus (now called Frangula), Ribes, Rhus as a starting point for shrubs for along the fence line. its always good to mix in some deciduous plants. I really like Holodiscus and Physocarpus which have seasonal changes.. I'm sure others can suggest more. But don't feel the need to be a purist and choose only natives, Many Mediterranean and South African plants are from a similar climate and there are many wonderful choices. Grasses soften everything as they move with the slightest breeze. Again, there are tons of choices. Google can be your best friend in checking out possibilities.

Hello! I'm trying to design my backyard garden to replace turfgrass. I have some pre-existing structures, trees and I believe that the garden has a skeleton of a formal garden. I'm interested in building on the top of what is already present. Most of my yard is in full sun. There are trees on surrounding properties but this space gets almost a full day of sun. My SS zone is 16, in Northern Cali, (SF Bay Area). What I am looking for are suggestions of plants. I have contemplated some, and I am looking for some others. I am leaning towards making this a modern garden with grasses, groundcovers etc. I'm not looking for plants with flowers, unless they are self-cleaning :-), and my attempt is to create this garden with primarily foliage plants with varying shapes/colors/visual textures with foliage. (Another constraint is that I do not want to use succulents). I am looking for suggestions for: 1. Sculptural, statement making plant/shrub that would thrive in full sun. I'm thinking something with a vase or a round shape like round boxwood, Blackcurrent Sage, etc. which will be ~2-3 ft tall. There will be a total 4 of these around a central fountain+paved square area. (#6 in the drawing below). 2. a groundcover with an even appearance (i.e not wavy) -- that would not need mowing (#5 in the drawing below. This pretty much goes all over the area except for the plants). 3. short shrubs that can be planted in a row along the border. These can be fountain grasses, non-grassy full-looking shrubs, etc. (#3,9,10,11). TIA!!! (Here's the plan): #1 is paved area, with fountain in the center.