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.
Common name:Myer's Asparagus
Botanical name:Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'
An evergreen groundcover, the 'Myers' also makes an excellent hanging basket plant when larger in size. Its formal looking fronds have an even, spiral arrangement of leaflets. It is damaged by severe frosts, and looks best with at least occasional watering. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Golden Variegated Sedge
Botanical name:Carex elata 'Aurea'
This Sedge is a short ornamental grass the grows to about 3' in height.
Common name:California Field Sedge
Botanical name:Carex praegracilis
This native Carex can be successfully used as a lawn substitute but requires significant water to obtain good coverage. Once coverage is reached, water can be reduced and maintenance is close to zero. Unmowed, the plant can be used effectively in a variety of conditions and will reach a height of 6" or under and spreads up to 2' by rhizomes.
Common name:Bronze Loquat
Botanical name:Eriobotrya deflexa
A small, evergreen tree with large leaves that are reddish bronze and turn green as they mature, this loquat is highlighted by clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers that are borne in the spring on branch tips.
Common name:Mondo Grass, Lily Grass
Botanical name:Ophiopogon japonicus
This Ophiopogon japonicus is a grass-like plant growing to about 6"-8" high. Its leaves are 1/8" wide, and about 8"-12" long. It makes a beautiful ground cover or accent plant, and does well in Asian style gardens.
Designer: Nina and Mike Mays | Inviting Entry |
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.
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.