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Alfresco Dining
Olive, European Olive
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Sandankwa  Viburnum
Bear's Breech, Acanthus
Waxleaf Privet
Olive, European Olive

Common name:Olive, European Olive
Botanical name:Olea europaea

This broad tree will grow to 40' tall and has small, gray green leaves with fleshy black fruit that appears in fall.

Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo

Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.

Sandankwa  Viburnum

Common name:Sandankwa Viburnum
Botanical name:Viburnum suspensum

This broad-spreading evergreen produces dense, glossy foliage that is 4" long and oval in shape. Open, loose clusters of white flowers with a rose tint bloom in spring and summer. This shrub serves as a good specimen, hedge, or screen. This variety should be grown under sun or partial shade.

Bear's Breech, Acanthus

Common name:Bear's Breech, Acanthus
Botanical name:Acanthus mollis

This perennial produces large clusters of glossy foliage that is deeply lobed. Its leaves may reach lengths of 2'. The tall, purplish-white flower spikes are usually seen in late spring to early summer. It can be used as an accent plant. Acanthus is an effective, shade loving, herbaceous shrub.

Waxleaf Privet

Common name:Waxleaf Privet
Botanical name:Ligustrum japonicum 'Texanum'

This dense evergreen shrub of an upright habit is capable of growing as a shrub or small tree. Its dark green, leathery leaves are opposite those of a simple evergreen plant.

Designer: Homeowner

Alfresco Dining

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:

Check the soil's moisture level before watering.

You can reduce your water use 20-50% by regularly checking the soil before watering.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.