Common name:Australian Tree Fern
Botanical name:Cyathea cooperi
This evergreen fern reaches a height of 10' with light green fronds that spread to a width of 15'. Its fronds are wider and held more horizontally than those of the Tasmanian fern tree. It requirs part shade to shade, with average to little summer watering. This plant performs well in containers, and is damaged by frost below 25 degrees F. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Sago-Palm
Botanical name:Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm resembles small palms; it is evergreen. It can slowly grow to 10'. It is used for a tropical effect and also looks great in planters. In the low desert, light shade and additional moisture are best. Side sprouts can form multi-trunked individuals. Apply fertilizer at leaf expansion. This plant has few pests.
Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia
The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen round headed tree. It can reach 15'-40' high and 20' wide; it grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Horsetail Reed
Botanical name:Equisetum hyemale
This reed-like plant bears dark green, jointed stems to 3'-4' tall. It should receive sun to part shade with regular summer watering. The reed grass can be extremely invasive and is best when used in pots or when confined by a barrier. As such, it can be extremely effective as an accent plant. While tolerant of wet conditions, the most successful plantings are those with average soil moisture. Tall grasses are highly combustible. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica
This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Botanical name:Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
This large, slow-growing conifer exhibits weeping growth form. Its golden leaves are 1" in size, and it also requires full sun in order to best develop its color. It serves as an excellent specimen or rock garden subject.
Common name:Tolleson's Weeping Juniper
Botanical name:Juniperus scopulorum 'Tolleson's Weeping
This juniper has an upright form to about 12-24' depending upon growing conditions. What is unusual about this plant and makes it a fun specimen plant in the garden is its weeping habit which is rare in the juniper family. It is hardy and drought tolerant.
Designer: Descanso Gardens | Terrace Look Wall |
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.
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.