LC Gardens General 28

Common name:Desert Willow
Botanical name:Chilopsis linearis

This winter decidous tree grows to be 25' x 20'. Great small tree, develops shaggy bark and twisting trunks with age. The trumpet-shaped flowers appear spring through fall. Flowers attract hummingbirds while seed pods attract other native birds. Native to the southwest U.S and Mexico.

Common name:Cow Tongue Prickly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri

The pads on this variety are elongated and resemble a tongue. More tolerant of moderate shade than many cacti, but provide good drainage. Old plants sprawl and become large. Beautiful yellow to orange flowers in the spring. Subject to cochineal scale infestations. Prevent by washing off frequently with strong jets of water.

Common name:Mexican Bird Of Paradise
Botanical name:Caesalpinia mexicana

Shrub or small tree grows to 10' x 8' yellow flowers in 3-6" long racemes. Ferny dark green foliage and spectacular yellow flowers form spikes at the tips of branches. Native of Mexico. No thorns. Moderate to fast grower. Attracts hummingbirds.

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:

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.