Conversation in the Garden

Common name:Kleinia
Botanical name:Senecio mandraliscae

This succulent perennial will grow to about 1.5' tall and 2' wide. It has curved, bluish gray leaves that are about 3.5" long and very slender.

Common name:Golden Bamboo, Fish Pole Bamboo
Botanical name:Phyllostachys aurea

This Bamboo will grow to about 25' tall and is drought tolerant with dense foliage. This running bamboo needs to be restricted or confined in a container. This plant is fast growing and can be invasive.

Common name:Majestic Beauty Flame Tree
Botanical name:Brachychiton X Majestic Beauty

Brachychiton hybrid Majestic Beauty is an evergreen and partly deciduous tree. It produces boat-shaped fruits. It has green glossy leaves and a smooth trunk. In late spring to early summer, the tree is covered with groupings of 3/4" red or orange-red, bell-like flowers.

Common name:Protea
Botanical name:Protea cultivars

This attractive flowering plant produces large tight clusters that are tubular in form and are surrounded by colored bracts. Therefore, a very colorful artichoke or thistle will bloom. As cut flowers, their color will endure for weeks, and their shape will remain long afterward.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

Click in the green box for more information

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.

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.