Common name:Brittlebush, Desert Encelia
Botanical name:Encelia farinosa
This deciduous mounding shrub typically has gray leaves that can reach 3' tall and wide. However, the leaves will turn white in drought conditions. Bright yellow 1" wide daisies appear in spring and summer. There is rapid growth following rain but this shrub is short-lived. Individual plants will reseed to repopulate. It does well in hot areas but cannot tolerate clay soils due to root rot. It will become overgrown and fragile if overwatered. It will suffer frost damage at 25 degrees F.
Common name:Black Sage, Creeping Sage
Botanical name:Salvia mellifera 'Terra Seca'
This evergreen shrub has shiny, dark green leaves with bluish white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Common name:Cleveland Sage
Botanical name:Salvia clevelandii
The Cleveland Sage is a perennial shrub that grows 4' tall and wide. It has fragrant gray foliage and blue flowers that bloom between May and August. This shrub needs full sun and prefers well drained soil. The Cleveland Sage is native to California and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Howard McMinn Manzanita
Botanical name:Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn
This shrub is highly appreciated for its decorative characteristics, which include a dense show of small, pale pink urn-shaped flowers. Above all, it is the mahogany-red to brown bark (which peels beautifully) that is the major attraction. Its fruit resembles the tike apple, and the flowers contrast perfectly to the light green leaf (which can get rather tough). It blooms from late winter to spring. - Cornflower Farms
Common name:Octopus Agave
Botanical name:Agave vilmoriniana
Arching twisted leaves give it its name. Light green & fleshy. No thorns or spines. Good for high traffic areas. Quickly forms loose, open, single rosette to 6' tall & wide. Full sun on coast, some shade in desert best. Flower show is spectacular. Somewhat subject to weevils. After flowering, many bulbils are formed. Native in NW Mexico 2-5000' on volcanic cliffs.Terminal spine may be twisted. No reflected heat. 6-8 years to bloom. A little frost sensitive < 25f
An efficient watering system applies the right amount of water to the right parts of the garden at the right time. This conserves water and saves you money.
Click in the green box for more information
Designer: Bob Perry and Asso. | Boulder Setting Driveway View |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.