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Tour: Remembering Josie

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Obelisk Among Friends
Shrimp Plant
Shrimp Pink Aloe
Century Plant, Maguey
Standard Rose
Artichoke Agave
Shrimp Plant

Common name:Shrimp Plant
Botanical name:Justicia brandegeana

This shrub will reach 6' tall and has small, light green leaves with yellow and white flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Shrimp Pink Aloe

Common name:Shrimp Pink Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe saponaria

Great flower display in late winter. A slow to moderate grower forms a large rosette. Fleshy leaves are pale gray and broad at the base. Leaves have fine longitudinal lines and also pink margins. Clusters of flowers are coral red to orange on 3' stalks. South African native. Best with filtered sun.

Century Plant, Maguey

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

Fast growing to about 6-10' tall x 8-13' wide. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart out. After blooming, which could take several years. it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Standard Rose

Common name:Standard Rose
Botanical name:Rosa species

These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care.

Artichoke Agave

Common name:Artichoke Agave
Botanical name:Agave parryi melampodium

This succulent resembles a large artichoke because of the flat-topped rosettes of leaves. This plant can reach 2'-4' tall and 5' wide. It will spread from its pups. This plant has flat, blue gray broad leaves that have sharp spines and tips. A stalk of yellow flowers emerge from the center but it may take 20 years to see a bloom, which marks the death of the plant. This plant tolerates full sun in coastal as well as desert areas. It prefers sandy, well draining soil. It is drought tolerant.

Designer: Homeowner

Obelisk Among Friends
Image: 12 of 15

Photographer: Vicki Anderson

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.