Common name:California Pepper, Mission Pepper
Botanical name:Schinus molle
The California Pepper is a fast growing evergreen tree that will mature to a height of 25'-40' and as wide. Its bright green leaves are divided into many narrow, 1.5"-2" long leaflets.
Common name:Upright Maiden Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
The 'Gracillimus' is a taller variety, often growing to 6'-8' tall with delicate feathery plumes and very thin graceful leaves. It should receive sun to part shade, and average to little summer watering. Tall grasses are highly combustible.
Common name:Tobira
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira
This large, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree has shiny dark green leaves. In the spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Tobira can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is considered one of the most durable shrubs in California landscapes.
Common name:European or Mediterranean Fan Palm
Botanical name:Chamaerops humilis
Slow growing multitrunked palm good for small areas and containers. Full sun or partial shade. Leaves have sharp spines. Native to Mediterranean and Africa.
Designer: Sallie Homan | Sallie's Place 27 |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.