Courtyard El Paso Garden 26

Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens

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

Common name:Tiger Tongue
Botanical name:Opuntia ellisiana

This low spreading cactus grows at a moderate rate to 4' tall and 6' wide. Spineless small pads have tiny glochids so handle pads with gloves. Beautful yellow flowers appear in the spring so put this cactus in a place of prominence for all to see. Tiger Tongue accepts reflected sun. Irrigate every 3-4 weeks after this cactus is established. Red berries follow spring flowers.

Common name:Honey Locust, Sweet L., Honeyshuck
Botanical name:Gleditsia triacanthos

Medium sized deciduous tree growing up to 75' x 50'. Leaves pinnately compound and late leafers in spring. Light shade during summer months. Golden fall color. Leaf drop causes no litter. Species has huge three pronged thorns. Native to the midwest. Several named cultivars available. Full sun. Soak twice monthly during the heat of summer in low desert. Drought tolerant as well as soil adaptable.

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

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:

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