I wanted to provide an update. First, the kittens were overall a big success. All but 2 got adopted. One declared she had found a home and wasn't leaving - my younger male agreed and hid her on adoption days. The last one stopped eating twice and almost died, but we managed to convince her she was not allowed to die. Because of her history, I didn't think it was fair to adopt her out in case she relapses - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. She's still very small for her age, but is happy and healthy and runs the place.
Now, my backyard. From last year, two of my butterfly bushes survived and are doing great. The three rosemary (or lavenders - I can't remember) are doing great. And the two lion's tails are great.
The honey myrtle and slim bottlebush are doing fine. I thought I killed the western redbud, but it has little leaf buds on it, so I didn't.
I've got the berry planter built and filled - 3 of the blackberry and 1 raspberry in there.
I added a metal trellis along the edge of the patio in front of the gazebo and planted a South African jasmine to grow up it.
I planted a leucandendron 'Hawaii Magic' on the other side of the walkway across from the jasmine.
I have another pineapple guava tree (first one is in the corner of the front yard) to plant behind the jasmine - where I was originally going to put an oven's wattle, which they haven't had available).
I have one section that nothing seems to be happy in, so I'm trying three malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (turk's cap) there - I think it's just not enough sun for the other plants.
I added 3 salvia 'Lello' between the pool and the main pathway. And I have 2 salvia leucantha 'Midnight' and 1 'White Mischief' to go in front of the three trees.
As I thought the redbud died, I also got a chilopsis linearis to replace it, so I need to find a new spot for it.
This should fill out the yard while leaving open space for the dogs. One of the lion's tails has been regularly run over by my shepherd - but it doesn't seem to care - I did cage it so it can grow a bit more.
Thanks again for everyone's help and advice. You all gave me lots to think about.
I am now facing the fact that I don't really have any more room to add plants at this point. I need a new yard to play with.
