Sunny Deck

Common name:California Coffeeberry
Botanical name:Rhamnus californica

The California coffeeberry is an evergreen shrub that reaches 6'-8' high. It grows inland and has large green to black berries in late summer. This shrub tolerates sun or partial shade in all soil types. The California coffeeberry is a native to California and is drought tolerant. It is a beneficial insect plant and attracts butterflies. -Cornflower Farms

Common name:Roger's Red Wild Grape
Botanical name:Vitis X californica 'Roger's Red'

This plant is a woody deciduous vine with round large, gray green leaves.The flowers are small fragrant, white blooms and berry clusters appear in the summer. This vine has a sprawling, climbing growth habit. Leaves turn red in fall, creating a spectacular show. This plant is native to CA and is drought tolerant. Grapes are ornamental. Vitis looks great on fences.

Common name:Mission Fig
Botanical name:Opuntia ficus-indica

This Opuntia is more tree-like than other types; it grows to15' tall. It usually has no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. It does best in full sun and is frost sensitive. It needs well drained soil. The major pest and source of the red dye cochineal comes from a scale.

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:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

Integrated Pest Management:

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