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Ideas: Lawn Alternatives

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Native Color Garden A1
Foothill Penstemon Margarita Bop
Conejo Buckwheat, Saffron Buckwheat
Foothill Penstemon Margarita Bop

Common name:Foothill Penstemon Margarita Bop
Botanical name:Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita Bop'

Another one of the easiest and most versatile California native plants. This is a hybrid penstemon; will produce beautiful purple/blue flowers through much of the year when spent flowers are removed. Foliage grows in low growing mats to 6-8"H x 12-18"W.

Conejo Buckwheat, Saffron Buckwheat

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.

Designer: Nancy Niemeyer

Native Color Garden A1
Image: 1 of 30

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.