The Beloved Garden 2

Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens

Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.

Common name:Pincushion Cactus
Botanical name:Mammillaria tetrancistra

This cactus is solitary, reaching 4"-6" tall and 2"-2.5" wide. It prefers light shade and water sparingly. However, good drainage is essential. Large pink flowers, 1"-2" in diameter, bloom in June and then again after monsoon summer rains. Fruit is cylindrical and red in color. The stem of the cactus is completely covered by spines, which resemble fish hooks.

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:

Different areas of your landscape have different water requirements.

Shrubs need much less water than lawns and drip systems should never be scheduled on the same program with lawns.

Establish separate watering schedules for those areas.

Integrated Pest Management:

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