Common name:Carrotwood, Cupania
Botanical name:Cupaniopsis anacardioides
This evergreen tree will grow up to 40' high and has leathery, dark green leaves. When the trees approach maturity, yellow to orange fruit may be produced; it does well in wet soil.
Common name:Boston Ivy
Botanical name:Parthenocissus tricuspidata
This deciduous vine grows leaves that are usually lobed and divided into 3 leaflets. It clings tightly to any surface.
Common name:Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay
Botanical name:Magnolia grandiflora
Its large, simple, leathery appearance makes the pyramidal Magnolia grandiflora perfect for either a street or lawn tree. Its leaves are 4"-8" long, and its powerfully fragrant blooms are carried throughout the summer. Reddish brown cone shaped fruit appear in the fall. If these plants are grafted, they are more predictable (may take 15 years to bloom). Ungrafted trees will take only 2-3 years. Restricted root areas or heavy soils will slow the growth process.
Common name:Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus
This low mounding perennial, with fine leaves and white to pinkish, daisy-like flowers, is an excellent asset to rock gardens.
Common name:Japanese Boxwood
Botanical name:Buxus microphylla japonica
Japanese Boxwood is often used as a hedge. It is compact, with small bright green leaves. It can reach 4'-6' tall and wide or be kept smaller through pruning. It can be sheared to shape. It does better in areas with milder winters.
Designer: Julie Molinare | Patio Area |
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.
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.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.