Common name:Artichoke
Botanical name:Cynara scolymus
This perennial will grow 4' tall and 6'-8' wide. It has silvery green leaves with bluish purple flowers that bloom in spring. Artichoke is a favorite fruit/vegetable of California kitchens but it is a great ornamental plant often overlooked for color contrast. It is very tolerant of little water when planted for ornamental purposes.
Common name:Hollyhock
Botanical name:Alcea rosea
This plant grows 4'-8' high and is particularly useful for background screening. It grows best in full sun in deep, rich, well drained soils and can produce a variety of colors of flowers.
Common name:Blackstem Pittosporum, Tawhiwhi
Botanical name:Pittosporum tenuifolium
This medium sized evergreen shrub has medium green leaves with black stems. Its pleasing texture and narrow, upright growth make this a fine hedge or screen. It is easy to grow in soils with good drainage. Many new cultivars are being introduced with smaller, variegated and/or multi-colored foliage.
Common name:Yellow Cotton
Botanical name:Santolina pinnata
Yellow Cotton is a low shrub to about 2' and a little bit wider. It has dense, rich green foliage and yellow flowers. It creates a distinct Mediterranean look.
| Designer: Jeffrey Gordon Smith | Concrete Raised Beds |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water Saving Tip:
In general, lawns only need to be watered once every three days.
Check your irrigation controller and reduce watering times if necessary.
Integrated Pest Management:
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.