Spills of Rocks

Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. It has upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. It grows to 8" high. It is considered drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.

Common name:Natchez Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'

This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a tall arching tree which grows to 30' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with white flowers in the summer; leaves turn orange red in fall. It is mildew resistant and does well in areas with hot summers. Crape Myrtles bloom on new wood so prune in winter or early spring to increase flowering.

Common name:Chinese or Evergreen Elm
Botanical name:Ulmus parvifolia

This evergreen tree will grow about 40'-60' tall and 50'-70' wide. It has leathery, dark green leaves and round fruit in the fall. It grows quickly to provide a beautiful shade tree. Bark exfoliates in the winter providing various colors. Foliage turns yellow, gold, orange, red or purple. This tree is lovely all year round but tends to be messy with falling fruit.

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Water Saving Tip:

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

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