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Gravel Path
Little River Wattle
Century Plant, Maguey
Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Reed Grass
Marguerite Daisy
Little River Wattle

Common name:Little River Wattle
Botanical name:Acacia cognata 'Cousin Itt'

This low shiny ground cover has a low mounding form. It does well in both hot inland or coastal settings, needing little water or care once established. It is a great addition to Mediterranean style gardens, excellent for hillside plantings, rock gardens, mass plantings and with dry creek beds. It is small in stature growing less than 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It looks like side-ways bamboo.

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.

Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn

Common name:Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Botanical name:Parkinsonia aculeata

Prickly stems. Very fast growing with sparse foliage & very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats spring for month+. Very messy, thorny, weedy & shortlived. Usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. Withstands saline conditions. Can be cold or drought deciduous. Half hardy to Dallas. Light airy tree. Green bark.

Reed Grass

Common name:Reed Grass
Botanical name:Calamagrostis foliosa

This tufted perennial bunchgrass is native to the northern California coastal scrub. It forms a beautiful, dense mound of grey greeen leaves that reach 2' tall, with showy arching flower stalks to 3' tall. Reed Grass leaves assume an attractive purple coloration in the fall and winter. This evergreen should be grown under sun, with little or no summer watering required. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Marguerite Daisy

Common name:Marguerite Daisy
Botanical name:Argyranthemum frutescens 'Butterfly'

This short-lived, fast growing rounding shrub grows 2'-3' tall and wide, smoothered with daisy-like flowers of yellow rays and yellow centers that bloom from spring through fall. In many areas, it is grown as an annual. Prolong bloom period by deadheading. This shrub does best in full sun with regular watering and more during hot days. It prefers well draining, fertile soil. Foliage is dark green with pointed leaves.

Designer: Linda McSwain (retired)

Gravel Path
Image: 5 of 20

Photographer: Vicki Anderson

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Integrated Pest Management:

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