Common name:Lily of the Nile hybrids
Botanical name:Agapanthus hybrids
This evergreen groundcover/shrub will grow about 3' tall and has large green leaves with blue flowers (there is a white variety and dwarf varieties) that bloom in spring and summer. It will grow in all soils but prefers loam soil.
Common name:California Field Sedge
Botanical name:Carex praegracilis
This native Carex can be successfully used as a lawn substitute but requires significant water to obtain good coverage. Once coverage is reached, water can be reduced and maintenance is close to zero. Unmowed, the plant can be used effectively in a variety of conditions and will reach a height of 6" or under and spreads up to 2' by rhizomes.
Common name:Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay
Botanical name:Magnolia grandiflora
Its large, simple, leathery appearance makes the pyramidal Magnolia grandiflora perfect for either a street or lawn tree. Its leaves are 4"-8" long, and its powerfully fragrant blooms are carried throughout the summer. Reddish brown cone shaped fruit appear in the fall. If these plants are grafted, they are more predictable (may take 15 years to bloom). Ungrafted trees will take only 2-3 years. Restricted root areas or heavy soils will slow the growth process.
Common name:Hall's Japanese Honeysuckle
Botanical name:Lonicera japonica 'Halliana'
The 'Halliana' is a vigorous, hardy, climbing vine with deep green, oval leaves and fragrant white flowers that change their color to yellow. It is good as a groundcover or for covering fences. This is a highly combustible plant.
Designer: Stephanie Blanc | LA Cottage Garden 8 |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.