California Gardening: Parking strip planting: what is this?, 1 by Twincol

Twincol wrote:
Can you folks tell me what these plants are? (Photo included here with close-ups to follow.) They appear to be California natives and if not, tolerate our clay soils and desert-like sun and heat. Moreover, the parking strip in my yard, will certainly not be under the same level of pollution stress that these boulevard plantings suffer. Water requirements?

The one I favor is the pink, grassy one. But it looks like it can get rather large, out of control or messy looking. Note the bamboo-like appearance of the grassy strands. I really want a low-growing, about 1-2 feet high in my parking strip. I will be placing a path through the middle of it, moving toward the front door, so moving through is not a problem. But I live on a corner lot and do not want anything which restricts a clear view around the corner. And I really don't want a "cottagey" (huh?) look. And this appears to develop into a rather informal looking plant.

The other, on the other hand, is a light purple, and stays a bit more "contained," in that what it throws out is well-defined and formal. The "leaves," if you will, are less grassy looking and define the plant as if in a pot. I like the more formal look, but wanted the pink. Although the lavender is probably light enough to not be a distraction from the remainder of the lot.

I'd appreciate some information about using these in my parking strip.

Thanks, you're all the greatest!

Linda