Common name:Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel
Botanical name:Laurus nobilis
This aromatic tree or large shrub is composed of a cluster of many straight, branched stems. Sweet Bay is densely pyramidal in shape with dark, glossy green leaves which are used in cooking.
Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.
Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata
This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico.
Common name:Olive, European 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:Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides
This clumping evergreen Iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks up to 3' tall. This variety has stiffer, darker foliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Designer: | Shady Canyon Spanish Entry |
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.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Take your 'My List' Hydrozone Report to a landscape designer, or local nursery, when selecting and purchasing plants.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.