Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis
This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!
Common name:California or 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:Foothill Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon heterophyllus
This perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has glossy, blue-green foliage with flowers that vary in color and bloom from spring through early summer.
Common name:Island Alum Root
Botanical name:Heuchera maxima
This large leaf native Heuchera from which many hybrids have been derived, will reach about 3' tall in bloom and has deep, green leaves with white flowers with a touch of pink.
Common name:Spangles Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Spangles'
This perennial will grow to about 3' tall and has green leaves with pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Cast Iron Plant
Botanical name:Aspidistra elatior
As an evergreen perennial, Cast Iron Plant is often used as a house plant. It slowly grows to 2' tall and 2'-3' wide. Foliage resembles long, wide swords, around 6" wide. Bell shaped, cream colored flowers with maroon interiors appear in summer. Cast Iron Plant grows in dark, shaded areas. This is a beautiful plant for foliage and flowers, creating a great woodland setting.
Sustainable landscaping is a term coined to mean sensible landscape practices that work within the limits of the Eco-system. This means within the limits of your local rainfall, soil conditions and sun patterns.
Click in the green box for more information
Designer: Armstrong and Walker
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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
