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Balinese Gazebo
Bronze Loquat
Aspdistra, Cast-Iron Plant
Myer's Asparagus
Mondo Grass, Lily Grass
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Amazing Red Flax
African Fern Pine
Bronze Loquat

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.

Aspdistra, Cast-Iron Plant

Common name:Aspdistra, Cast-Iron Plant
Botanical name:Aspidistra elatior

As an evergreen perennial, it is often used as a house plant. Its dark green leaf blades arise from the soil and are 1'-2' long. Each blade is found on a 6-8" long leave stalk. This plant grows in dark, shaded areas and is very water efficient.

Myer's Asparagus

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

Mondo Grass, Lily Grass

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.

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.

Amazing Red Flax

Common name:Amazing Red Flax
Botanical name:Phormium 'Amazing Red'

Phormium 'Amazing Red' is an evergreen perennial. It is a 2' tall, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves in a fan pattern. Leaves are dark reddish brown in color.

African Fern Pine

Common name:African Fern Pine
Botanical name:Afrocarpus elongatus

Soft, narrow, pointed leaves on graceful arching branches characterize this plant. The foliage is gray green, and the plant can be used as an individual specimen, screen, or even a small tree.

Designer: Nina and Mike Mays

Balinese Gazebo

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:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.