Common name:Chalk Fingers
Botanical name:Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga
This striking succulent spreads slowly to form a dense carpet of silvery-gray finger-like foliage. The upright sturdy flower stems rise boldly 15-18" above the foliage. Clusters of bell-shaped salmon flowers dangle from the tip of the stem like an outrageously over-the-top candelabra! The plant branches from ground level, forming large clumps. The leaves are silvery-white to pale grey-green. With its spiky shaped leaves and silver-green colour, this cotyledon lends its texture, shape and color to many garden situations.
Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.
Common name:Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Botanical name:Parkinsonia aculeata
Light, airy tree with prickly stems and green bark. Very fast growing with sparse foliage & very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats spring for at least a month. This is a messy and shortlived palo verdy. Usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. Withstands saline conditions. Can be cold or drought deciduous.
Designer: Linda McSwain (retired)
Photographer:
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
