Common name:Conejo Buckwheat, Saffron Buckwheat
Botanical name:Eriogonum crocatum
Saffron Buckwheat is a compact, low growing shrub but may be used as a ground cover. It reaches 1.5' tall and 2-3' wide. Evergreen leaves are whiteish and woolly. It contrasts beautifully with the yellow flower clusters during summer, turning brown in fall. This plant does well in full sun in coastal areas but needs afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It tolerates heavy soils if given good drainage and no summer water. Butterflies love this California native.
Common name:Cedros Island Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'
Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina' is a selection introduced by the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. It follows the same wonderful characteristics described under the general species V. lilacina.
Common name:Pumpkin Monkey Flower
Botanical name:Mimulus 'Pumpkin'
Mimulus 'Pumpkin' is one of the best performing and 'garden tolerant' of the dry Mimulus species/hybrids. Although it still requires well drained soil and drier conditions, in most environments it stays evergreen and can bloom through the year with supp
Designer: Nancy Niemeyer
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.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.