Poppy and Grass Meadow

Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Common name:Incense Cedar
Botanical name:Calocedrus decurrens

The Cedar is an attractive, stiff, narrow evergreen tree which has a columnar growing pattern and maintains a central leader. The foliage is comprised of imbricate-scales, while the coarse bark has an attractive cinnamon red-brown coloring. The cedar retains its color in winter and under good cultural conditons, will maintain its foliage to the ground. It serves as an effective screening evergreen, and contrasts well with Maples and other deciduous trees and flowering plants.

Common name:Purple Needle Grass
Botanical name:Nassella pulchra

The Needle Grass is a cool season bunchgrass that grows 1' tall with graceful, shiny purple flower stalks that reach 3' long in the spring. The entire grass turns golden in summer This grass is beautiful in mass plantings, restoration uses or dry slopes. It prefers full sun and can tolerate coastal as well as inland valley areas. It is drought tolerant once it's established and is not fussy about soil. The Needle Grass is California's State Grass and is a beneficial insect plant.

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:

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:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.