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:California Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca californica
The California fescue is a cool season bunchgrass with blue-green blades that reach 2 ft. high. The flower stalks are 5 ft. tall and create fountain-like clumps. This grass is drought tolerant for sun and shade. The California fescue is native to California and is a beneficial insect plant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Olive
Botanical name:Olea europaea
This broad tree will grow to 40' tall and has small, gray/green leaves with fleshy black fruit that appears in fall.
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:Lamb's Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina
This tiny, herbaceous shrub will grow less than 1' tall and has medium-size, grayish/green leaves with blue and lavender flowers that bloom in the spring.
Common name:Red-Hot Poker, Torch Lily
Botanical name:Kniphofia hybrids
This perennial will grow to about 6' tall and has large green leaves and has red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
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.
Common name:Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta X faassenii
Nepeta faassenii makes soft, grey-green, undulating mounds to 1' tall in bloom, spreading 3'-4' wide. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in summer. Catmint can be planted in sun or shade and needs medium amount of water. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Designer: Mark Lewis
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.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.