Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.
Common name:Eulalia Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo'
'Flamingo' creates architectural interest in the garden because of the tall stature of the leaves which curve gracefully. Green foliage turn tan colored as cold weather approaches. Pink flower panicles appear on top of foliage during the fall season, turning silvery colored. This beautiful grass can reach 7' tall and wide. It should be divided every 2-3 years to refreshen the foliage. It attracts birds and is deer resistant. It is heat tolerant (not desert adapted) and prefers full sun or light shade. Flowers can be cut and dried for creative arrangements. Is very dependable and tough but considered invasive in some areas. Beautiful in containers. Swaying foliage and flower panicles in wind are attractive.
Common name:Spear Lily
Botanical name:Doryanthes palmeri
This large succulent will grow 6-15' high and produces huge clusters of leaves. It produces clusters of reddish brown flowers that bloom in the summer and does well in a lot of shade with good water.
Common name:Mexican Weeping Bamboo
Botanical name:Otatea acuminata aztecorum
This Bamboo is an exotic plant that has tall fronds that sway in the wind like a kelp bed forest. This plant can be invasive.
Common name:Provence Blue Lavandin
Botanical name:Lavandula X intermedia 'Provence'
With tall 24"-30" stems, 'Provence' has true, lavender colored flowers that are fragrant and excellent for cutting. It flowers in early June and has large, gray green leaves.
Common name:Queen Palm
Botanical name:Syagrus romanzoffianum
This palm has a very straight trunk to about 50' in height. It has arching, feathery, bright green, glossy leaves that can be 10'-15' long. It is fragile in heavy winds and a fast grower. It will become damaged in temperature below 24 degrees F.
Common name:Myers Asparagus
Botanical name:Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
An evergreen groundcover, the 'Meyers' also makes an excellent hanging basket when larger in size. Its formal looking fronds have an even, spiral arrangement of leaflets. It is damaged by severe frosts, and looks best with at least occasional watering.
-Monterey Bay Nursery
Designer: Billy Goodnick
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.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.