Common name:Australian Willow, Wilga
Botanical name:Geijera parviflora
This evergreen tree reaches a height of 20' x 15'. Medium green leaves are narrow and 3"-6" long. Flowers are small, creamy and inconspicuous; they open in the spring and fall. Large branches sweep up and out, while the smaller branches tend to hang down.
Common name:Small Soapweed
Botanical name:Yucca glauca
Soapweed is a trunkless or short-trunked species that can grow to about 3' x 6'. This is perhaps the most adaptable yucca, since it can withstand full sun and reflected heat, as well as cold down to -35 F. Leaves are stiff, narrow, sword-like and evergreen. Flowers are greenish white and borne on long narrow spikes to 4'. Fibers from leaves used in making baskets and rope. Native to northwestern Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and into Canada.
Designer: El Paso Desert Botantical Gard | El Paso Desert Botantical Gardens 3 |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Ask at your local nursery for the types of plants that have minimal watering needs.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.