Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa
The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It can be drought tolerant once it's established if there is a high water table. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter. Leaves in fall are gold, red and orange, creating litter. It is beautiful all year round.
Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. 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:Spreading Acacia
Botanical name:Acacia redolens
This is a fast, aggressive shrub or groundcover used frequently for embankments. It grows to 3'-5' tall and 10'-15' wide and can be used in large-scale plantings and in difficult situations. It is very hardy. Leaves are gray green with a vanilla fragrance when crushed. Light, creamy yellow flowers are borne in globular clusters in late winter. This plant is from Western Australia.
Common name:Goodwin Creek Grey Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula 'Goodwin Creek Grey'
Lavandula 'Goodwin Creek Gray' is an evergreen shrub. This dense foliaged plant grows to 2.5'-3' high and 3'-4' wide, with silvery leaves that are toothed at the tips. Deep violet-blue flowers bloom from spring to late fall.
Common name:Tuscan Blue Upright Rosemary
Botanical name:Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'
The Upright Rosemary is an upright shrub that grows 3'-6' tall. It has dark green leaves and bright, showy, lavender blue flowers throughout the year. This shrub is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:California Sagebrush
Botanical name:Artemisia californica
The California sagebrush is an evergreen medium sized, gray green aromatic shrub. The foliage has wispy soft texture.This shrub is native to CA, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies. This is a highly combustible plant. ~Cornflower Farms
| Designer: Jane Gate | Rustic Canyon |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Integrated Pest Management:
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.