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Spills of Rocks
Mexican Gold Poppy
Natchez Crape Myrtle
Chinese or Evergreen Elm
Mexican Gold Poppy

Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. It has upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. It grows to 8" high. It is considered drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.

Natchez Crape Myrtle

Common name:Natchez Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'

This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a tall arching tree which grows to 30' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with white flowers in the summer; leaves turn orange red in fall. It is mildew resistant and does well in areas with hot summers. Crape Myrtles bloom on new wood so prune in winter or early spring to increase flowering.

Chinese or Evergreen Elm

Common name:Chinese or Evergreen Elm
Botanical name:Ulmus parvifolia

This evergreen tree will grow about 40'-60' tall and 50'-70' wide. It has leathery, dark green leaves and round fruit in the fall. It grows quickly to provide a beautiful shade tree. Bark exfoliates in the winter providing various colors. Foliage turns yellow, gold, orange, red or purple. This tree is lovely all year round but tends to be messy with falling fruit.

Designer:

Spills of Rocks

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tip:

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.