Front Yard 16

Common name:Broom Coyotebush
Botanical name:Baccharis pilularis 'Twin Peaks2'

3-9' tall rapid grower Rounded evergreen with branches resembling broom straw. Tolerant of sun and heat. Female plants may produce invasive seedlings. Very drought tolerant and hardy to 10F.

Common name:Improved Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana hybrid

Mounding trailing groundcover grows quickly to 2' x 3'. Leaves are medium green. Leaves and sap may irritate skin. Vibrant summer color. Attracts butterflies. Full sun. Flowers year-round in frost-free weather. If hit by frost wait until spring to prune back. Many hybrids, look for a variety of flower colors.

Common name:Red Yucca
Botanical name:Hesperaloe parviflora

Upright rosettes grow quickly to 3' x 5' wide. Spectacular accent for desert landscape. Leaves are dark green and strap-like. Coral red flower spikes emerge in spring & remain on plant till end of summer. Tolerates tough conditions including reflected heat and frost. Attracts humingbirds. Native to western Texas and northeastern 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:

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:

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