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Stepping Stones in Shade Area
Spiny Rush
Chalk Dudleya, Chalk-Lettuce
Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegrass
Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage
Chinese Holly or Holly Grape
Spiny Rush

Common name:Spiny Rush
Botanical name:Juncus acutus

This native Rush grows naturally in moist alkaline soils especially in coastal salt marshes. As one of the larger native Rushes, growing to 3'-4' tall and 3'-4' wide, it can provide interest through form and structure in a natural garden setting. It is carefree-looking. The tips of the leaves are sharp so care should be taken when designing the landscape not to place this species close to walkways, etc. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Chalk Dudleya, Chalk-Lettuce

Common name:Chalk Dudleya, Chalk-Lettuce
Botanical name:Dudleya pulverulenta

Chalk Dudleya is a succulent. with 12" diameter rosette and waxy leaves; it has interesting flower spikes.

Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegrass

Common name:Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegrass
Botanical name:Festuca glauca

This groundcover/grass will grow less than 1' tall and has small, blue green leaves.

Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage

Common name:Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage
Botanical name:Salvia spathacea

The extravagant leaves of this small clumping sage emit a perfectly sweet fragrance, which attracts hummingbirds. In the spring, the reddish pink flowering spikes become a deep fuchsia. It is a great plant for dry shade.

Chinese Holly or Holly Grape

Common name:Chinese Holly or Holly Grape
Botanical name:Berberis lomariifolia

This evergreen shrub is 6'-10' high and upright with a stiff, horizontal branching pattern. It has abundant yellow flowers at the tips and also blue berries.

Designer: Form LA Landscaping

Stepping Stones in Shade Area

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

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