For shrubs I would try pomegranate, gardenia, blueberry and pineapple guava. I live in MExietta and Augusta is always 4 to 6 degrees warmer in the summer, getting in the 90's so anything that tolerates heat is best. I can't give a laundry list of plants but ride around and see what others are having success with. Visit public gardens and go to several nurseries. Check in the blue pages of the phone book and look for the Extension Service where a county agent or a Master Gardener can advise you. Augusta also has sandy soil so it will be quick draining. Petunias should do well there, also butterfly weed and butterfly bush. As warm as it is there I would check out some of the hardier citrus and Oriental persimmons and try them. Canna lilies and elephant ears will lend a tropical look.

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You can get her the book called "The Southern Gardener's Book of Lists", use it to help her pick out plants and then give it to her to keep. I love it.

By the way, Eddie lives in Marietta, I think he was being funny.

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to the book on Amazon

I always have trouble answering questions like this. Can never think of anything. But if you could tell us what you're thinking about planting, we could tell you if it does well here or not. Would that help?