Brick Patio Garden 3

Common name:Oleander
Botanical name:Nerium oleander

Oleander is a dense, upright evergreen shrub that grows quickly to 6' x 4'. Leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy. Accepts reflected sun. Flowers appear spring to fall. Excellent screen. Good summer color. Native to the Mediterranean.

Common name:Prairie Sky Switch Grass
Botanical name:Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky'

This perennial grass will grow 2-4' tall and 2-4' wide. It has narrow, deep green and gray green leaves with slender, light flowers that bloom in midsummer.

Common name:Autumn Sage Furman's Red
Botanical name:Salvia greggii 'Furman's Red'

Semievergreen sprawling shrub grows to 2' x 2'. Pale green leaves. Tubular flowers are red, pink or white and bloom in the spring and fall. Attracts hummingbirds. Needs good drainage. Prefers filtered shade in Phoenix. Native to Texas.

Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens

This narrow tree will grow to about 25' tall and has small, green, scaled leaves.

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:

Even during our hottest months we don't need to water daily.

Give your plants a chance to breathe.

Water late at night or in the early morning hours to avoid losses to wind and evaporation.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.