A Santa Barbara garden reborn

( Al Seib / Los Angeles Times )

To one side of the house, Grace chose "unthirsty" perennials that provided the color and cut flowers that the client wanted. "I also wanted some good nectar-producing plants for bees," the designer said. The result is a mix of alstroemeria, penstemon, catmint and a type of salvia called Mystic Spires. The area is on drip system and needs watering only twice a week in hot months, once a week the rest of the year, Grace said. Note the French doors above, which lead to a patio …