Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica
The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.
Common name:Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea
This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.
Common name:Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus
This low mounding perennial is used as a ground cover since it reaches 2' tall and spreads 5'. It has fine textured, green leaves and white to pinkish, daisy-like flowers with gold centers that bloom spring through fall in coastal areas. In warmer, inland areas, the plant appears to be semi-dormant but will perk up as soon as the weather starts to cool. Control its growth with watering as it can be invasive in some areas. It looks best in full sun in coastal areas but prefers afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It attracts bees. This is a great plant for rock gardens, planters, containers, or spilling over walls.
Common name:Dwarf Red Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum 'Eaton Canyon'
This grass will grow 2-3' tall and has red or bronze colored stems that are very slender and topped red/ purple whips.
Common name:Canyon Prince Wild Rye
Botanical name:Leymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince'
One of the best known and utilized native grass selections in Southern California. Beautiful blue grey foliage that spreads to 3-4' or more. It will reach a height of 2-3'. Flowers rarely. It does spread by rhizomes although not as vigorously as some cl
Common name:Sunrose
Botanical name:Helianthemum nummularium
This evergreen perennial grows 1' high and 3' wide. Flowers are 1" in diameter with 5 petals (similar to rose) and bloom from April to June. Various flower colors depending on cultivar. Blooms are profuse, covering the foliage. Leaves are small, gray green and lance shaped. This plant tolerates full sun and well draining soil. It looks great as a ground cover and used in Mediterranean style gardens. Established plants are drought tolerant. It attracts bees and butterflies.
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Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Lawn watering more than 5 minutes usually results in runoff. Use multiple cycle starts.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.