Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
Succulent that grows quickly to10' x 13'. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart of the plant. Like all agaves, after blooming, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. This is a large agave, be sure to have space.
Common name:Sonoran tree bear grass
Botanical name:Nolina matapensis
An upright, treelike species growing a trunk 25' tall at maturity with 1-4 branches, each of which will be topped by a large, grasslike head. Great for use in low-maintenance landscapes, as well as around pools. It only grows 3"/year Individual plants need 5-6' to spread. Leaves are unarmed but sharp. Leaves 3' long and 1/2" wide and bright green. Will tolerate considerable frost. Native to the Sonoran Desert.
Common name:Sprawling Prickly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia phaeacantha
This attractive cactus grows slowly to 3' x 3'. It has sage-green pads and yellow-orange flowers that bloom in summer. It is extremely drought tolerant. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Needs good drainage.
Designer: El Paso Desert Botantical Gard
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.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
