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:Italian Buckthorn
Botanical name:Rhamnus alaternus
This large shrub will grow to 15' tall and has small, dark green leaves. A great plant for hedging and screening. Has a strong Mediterranean presence. Leaves are large and glossy giving it a sheen. Good in any soil and tolerates wind, heat and drought. Note: this shrub is potentially invasive as its seeds spread through fruit-eating birds, ants and mammals.
Designer: Four Dimensions Landscape
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.
Mulching around plants helps retain water and improves the soil.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
