Common name:Hopseed Bush
Botanical name:Dodonaea viscosa
This small evergreen tree or shrub can quickly grow up to 12'-15' high and 12' wide. Leaf color can vary from green to purple. Though it is a shrub, it can pruned to resemble a tree by removing stems except for a central leader. It is drought tolerant. It prefers full sun although it will tolerate part shade and needs well draining soil. It is susceptible to Texas root rot. Yellow/green, small flowers appear in spring, followed by small papery, light brown seed pods that rustle with the slightest wind. Prune dead or damaged branches.
Common name:Pink Stripe Flax
Botanical name:Phormium 'Pink Stripe'
Phormium 'Pink Stripe' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves in a fan pattern. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dull red to yellow.
Designer: Ann Breemer Designs
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.
Modify your controller each season. In the rainy season turn it off.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.