Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens
Native to southern Europe, western Asia. With its narrow columnar habit of growth, this evergreen forms tall, dark green columns 40' to 60' in height. Leaves are dark green and scalelike. Can reach 3' to 10' wide. Does best in full sun. Established plants need little water. Tolerates most soil types as long as it's well draining. A fast growing tree that generally does not require pruning or maintenance. Dry conditions of the Southwest can cause problems with spider mites in early spring. If tree appears 'dusty', washing the tree down with a jet of water can help. This washing needs to be repeated five days later to control mites.
Common name:Hollywood Twisted Juniper
Botanical name:Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka'
This conifer grows at a slow rate to 20' x 10'. It is a wild-looking tree that will give an artistic accent to any setting. It has an upright habit which includes broad, shrubby branches that spread irregularly but gracefully. Keep pruning to a minimum to enjoy this plant's natural beauty. Never use hedge shears.
Designer: David A. Grant
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
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.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.
