Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa
The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.
Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia
The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen round headed tree. It can reach 15'-40' high and 20' wide; it grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies.
Common name:Dusty Miller, Silver Groundsel
Botanical name:Senecio cineraria
The Dusty Miller exhibits growth to 1' or more, with velvet gray leaves that have broad, roundish lobes. Yellow flower heads appear through the middle of the plant during most months of the year. Cut heads back occasionally to encourage bushiness.
Common name:Jack Spratt New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Jack Spratt'
Phormium 'Jack Spratt' is an evergreen perennial. This variety is a dwarf, reaching 18" tall and wide. It is fan-shaped and clumping. The leaves are burgundy bronze in color and make a great border plant.
Common name:Rainbow Warrior New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium 'Rainbow Warrior'
New Zealand Flax is an excellent accent plant for the garden. Evergreen leaves are long, narrow, and grow upright. Clusters of flowers grow on spikes above the foliage in late spring and summer. 'Rainbow Warrier' grows 3'-4' tall, 5'-6' wide. Leaves are darker salmon, turning cream as they age. Foliage turns deep red in winter.
Common name:Hidcote Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
This is a slow growing lavender that grows to 1' tall with deep purple flowers. It is drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.
| Designer: | Loveliness Next to Driveway |
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.
Water Saving Tip:
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Integrated Pest Management:
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.