Common name:Irish Yew
Botanical name:Taxus baccata 'Stricta'

Irish Yew is either a tree or shrub depending upon the size that it is kept. It is a terrific hedge plant and can make a bold vertical statement as well.

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.

Common name:Succulents
Botanical name:Aeonium species

These plants are one of the most useful succulents, due to their decorative effects and sculpturesque quality. The branched stems hold a wide rosetta of either light green or purple leaves. The flowers appear in long, clustered form. They need some shade in hotter areas. Prostrate forms are low-growing, and spreading.

Common name:Large Spotted Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe fosterii

Aloe fosterii is a hardy, stemless Aloe with leaves that have a grey, powdery surface and white, almost H-shaped markings on the upper surface. The blue-grey, branched flowering stalk bears brightly-coloured flowers, varying from yellow to orange and even scarlet. It blooms in March and April and when in bloom and planted en masse, it is a magnificent sight. Added to this are the many species of sunbirds and insects that are continuously visiting the flowers.

Common name:Spanish Bayonet
Botanical name:Yucca aloifolia

This shrub becomes a large sprawling plant, reaching 10' tall and 10' wide. Growth is slow. Stiff dense leaves are medium green with sharp points; they reach 2.5' long and 2" wide. Slightly fragrant, white blooms on vertical stalks appear in spring and summer. After bloom period, oval brown, edible fruit appear. Leaf margins are smooth. Weevils can damage this plant. This shrub tolerates full sun to full shade, well draining soil and little water. Does well in coastal areas.

Common name:Whale's Tongue Agave
Botanical name:Agave ovatifolia

This versatile Agave is a solitary plant, growing quite large, with rosettes that can reach 7' across. Leaves are grayish white color with small marginal teeth. The leaf blade is short, wide and distinctively cupped, thus the common name, Whale's Tongue. This Agave looks great in a pot on a patio, under trees, with large boulders or planted with other succulents. It can take intense heat and cold. It grows moderately fast but prefers well drained soil.