Modern El Paso Garden 2

Common name:Powis Castle Artemisia
Botanical name:Artemisia 'Powis Castle'

This mounding shrub reaches 3 ft. high and up to 5ft. wide with fine silver foliage. It does well in coastal areas as well as inland warm areas. It rarely blooms but is used for its beautiful foliage. It is striking next to perennials with bright colors. This shrub prefers full sun and well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Century Plant, Utah Agave
Botanical name:Agave utahensis

This clumping plant tolerates heat as well as cold. Spiny-edged leaves are 18" long and 3" wide. Flower clusters arise along the stem on short 1" stalks. These yellow clusters of flowers can be 15' tall. This Agave needs little water but good drainage. The rosette bearing the flower dies after blooming. Do not overwater in winter.

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:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.

Integrated Pest Management:

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