The Beloved Garden 14

Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis

This deciduous shrub ranges from 6'-20' tall and 10'-15' wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Common name:California Fan Palm, Petticoat Palm
Botanical name:Washingtonia filifera

Palm tree grows to 60' x 20' . It has light green fronds 3'-6' long. Seeds appear in fall so be sure to remove seed stalk to avoid mess on patios and sidewalks. California Fan Palm is the only palm native to California.

Common name:Bi-colored Hesperaloe
Botanical name:Hesperaloe parviflora 'Duet'

Spectacular accent for desert gardens anywhere. Plants tolerate drought, full sun, reflected heat, and poor soils. Forms rosettes of leaves 4' x 6'. The red and yellow flower stalks emerge in spring and remain on the plant until the end of summer. - Mountain States Nursery

Common name:Lavender Cotton
Botanical name:Santolina chamaecyparissus

This ground cover/small shrub will grow to 3' tall and has small, grayish silver leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

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.