Oasis Garden 12

Common name:Deer Grass
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia rigens

Mounding grass that grows quickly to 4' x 4'. Leaves are medium green and turns tan in fall. Tall flower spikes appear in fall they start out green and dry to tan. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Very frost tolerant. This is a versatile grass with lush foliage and interesting flowers. Great for softening a landscape. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico.

Common name:Carolina Laurel Cherry
Botanical name:Prunus caroliniana

This large evergreen shrub or small tree has leaves that are glossy and 2"-4" in length. It is excellent as either a formal hedge or an informal screen. It has creamy white flowers in late winter and spring followed by small black berries.

Common name:Pink Muhly
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia capillaris

Mounding grass grows quickly to 3' x 3'. Leaves are medium green and turn tan in fall. Pink airy plumes appear in fall. Place plants where pink flower plumes can be backlit by the sun. Look for selections with deep pink flower plumes. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Very frost tolerant. Prune in early spring for best looking new growth. Native to Texas and Mexico.

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:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.