Common name:Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the "Purpureus" is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters in summer. Its green foliage turns a brilliant purple and then yellow to red in the fall. This shrub is a show stopper! It prefers full sun but will do better with afternoon shade in hot inland areas. This attractive shrub is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Spanish Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula stoechas

This dense shrub grows 2'-3' tall with blue-grey foliage and deep purple flowers that have large showy bracts in spring and summer near the top of the spikes. It has low watering needs once it's established. It prefers full sun. Foliage is aromatic.

Common name:Johnson's Blue Cranesbil
Botanical name:Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'

This herbaceous perennial is a favorite among geranium lovers. It grows up to 18" tall and 2'-3' wide. Saucer-like violet-blue flowers bloom from spring through fall. The leaves are bright green, finely cut and quite divided. Plant in full sun or half sun. Looks good in rock gardens, borders and containers.

Common name:Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Gras
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is popular ornamental grass. Red flowers are held well above foliage clumps, appearing in summer, and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements. Miscanthus needs full sun and watering at least once a week and more during hot summers. Foliage is variegated, with a thin white band down the center. This grass does great in coastal as well as warm inland valleys.

Common name:Silver Lace Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea 'Silver Lace'

This evergreen perennial has white-margined, thin strap-like leaves and rosy-lavender-pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Foliage has a garlic odor when bruised. Plant in full sun and give moderate amount of water. This plant reaches 1'-3' tall and 1'-2' wide.

Common name:Gray Gleam Columnar Juniper
Botanical name:Juniperus scopulorum 'Gray Gleam'

Grey Gleam Juniper is a slow growing conifer, meaning 30-40 years to attain full height of 15' and 5'-7' wide. It is symmetrical-shaped, looking like a blue-gray column. Foliage turns silvery gray in winter. This dependable juniper prefers full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established. Birds love this plant. It can be grown in coastal areas as well as inland warm valleys.

Common name:Autumn Moor Grass
Botanical name:Sesleria autumnalis

A small, mounding grass with yellow-green leaves that reaches 12" high. In the fall, it sends up narrow flower stems that have a silvery-white inflorescence. When planted in masses, it has a striking appearance. It is drought tolerant.

Common name:Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Gras
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is popular ornamental grass. Red flowers are held well above foliage clumps, appearing in summer, and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements. Miscanthus needs full sun and watering at least once a week and more during hot summers. Foliage is variegated, with a thin white band down the center. This grass does great in coastal as well as warm inland valleys.

Common name:Johnson's Blue Cranesbil
Botanical name:Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'

This herbaceous perennial is a favorite among geranium lovers. It grows up to 18" tall and 2'-3' wide. Saucer-like violet-blue flowers bloom from spring through fall. The leaves are bright green, finely cut and quite divided. Plant in full sun or half sun. Looks good in rock gardens, borders and containers.

Common name:Rose selected cultivars
Botanical name:Rosa species

These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care. Roses can be espaliered or used on a trellis or as shrubs along walkways. Some are fragrant; most have thorns.

Sustainable Landscape Renovation

We can identify at least 11 steps of sustainable landscape renovation for consideration. They include critical design, installation and maintenance practices that conform to good principles of appropriate horticulture.

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Sustainable Landscaping Fundamentals

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.

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