1 of 14
Prev
Ideas: Backyards
Hotlinks:
ADD
Looking Back Towards the House
Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria
Myer's Asparagus, Foxtail Fern
Catmint
Japanese Boxwood
Dusty Miller, Silver Groundsel
Muskogee Crape Myrtle

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

This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a popular tree which grows to 25' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with lavender flowers in the summer; leaves turn 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. - Carolyn Shaffer, Dudek and Associates

Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria

Common name:Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria
Botanical name:Alstroemeria hybrids

The deciduous rhizomes of this Peruvian Lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to partial sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12" 36" tall. For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Moterey Bay Nursery

Myer's Asparagus, Foxtail Fern

Common name:Myer's Asparagus, Foxtail Fern
Botanical name:Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'

An evergreen groundcover, the 'Myers' also makes an excellent hanging basket plant when larger in size. Its formal looking fronds have an even, spiral arrangement of leaflets. It is damaged by severe frosts, and looks best with at least occasional watering. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Catmint

Common name:Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta X faassenii

Nepeta faassenii makes soft, gray green, undulating mounds that are 1.5' high when blooming. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in late spring and early summer.

Japanese Boxwood

Common name:Japanese Boxwood
Botanical name:Buxus microphylla japonica

Japanese Boxwood is often used as a hedge. It is compact, with small bright green leaves. It can reach 4'-6' tall and wide or be kept smaller through pruning. It can be sheared to shape. It does better in areas with milder winters.

Dusty Miller, Silver Groundsel

Common name:Dusty Miller, Silver Groundsel
Botanical name:Senecio cineraria

The Dusty Miller exhibits growth to 1' or more, with velvet gray leaves that have broad, roundish lobes. Yellow flower heads appear through the middle of the plant during most months of the year. Cut heads back occasionally to encourage bushiness.

Designer: Nan Simonsen Nanscapes

Looking Back Towards the House

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

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

Integrated Pest Management:

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