Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.

Common name:Hallmark Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta X faassenii 'Hallmark'

This attractive perennial reaches 1' tall and 2' wide, with a mounding habit. Dense foliage is gray green, aromatic when crushed, and velvety looking. Lavender blue clusters of flowers bloom in summer, attracting bees. Prune spent flowers to prevent reseeding and encourage more blooming. This plant tolerates ocean spray, full to part sun with well draining, dry soil. Moderate water once it's established. Does not like heat and humidity. Deer resistant but some cats love Catmint!

Common name:Blanket Flower
Botanical name:Gaillardia X grandiflora

This perennial has daisylike flowers in warm colors on sturdy stems. Plants form medium-sized clumps. It likes full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates poor soil and drought. It makes a great cut flower.

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

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