Common name:Howard McMinn Manzanita
Botanical name:Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn

This shrub is highly appreciated for its dense show of small, pale pink, urn-shaped flowers that bloom in winter. The mahogany-red to brown bark (which peels beautifully) is the major attraction. Evergreen foliage is light green and densely covers the shrub. It is hardy, tolerating sandy and clay soil, but prefers well draining soil. It slowly reaches 4'-6' tall and 6' wide.

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:Baby Blue Eyes
Botanical name:Nemophila menziesii

Nemophila menziesii is an annual. Trailing plants 6-12 in. high, with bell-shaped flowers to 1 in. across. Flowers are sky blue with whitish centers. Pale green, hairy, fernlike foliage gives plants a delicate appearance.

Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa

The California Sycamore is a fast growing, deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has an interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter. It needs a moderate amount of watering unless the water table is high. Leaves turn yellow in fall before dropping. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the Sycamore.

Common name:Purple or Gray Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucophylla

The Purple Sage is an evergreen shrub that grows 2'-3' tall by 5'-6' wide. It has white tomentose stems and leaves and light purple flowers blooming in late spring. This shrub tolerates heat and drought. The purple sage is a CA native, preferring full sun. Do not overwater. This Sage is great for covering difficult slopes. Foliage is aromatic.

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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