Common name:Sea Lavender, Statice
Botanical name:Limonium perezii
This mounding shrub will reach about 3' high and has large, dark green leaves with small blue and purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Rock Purslane
Botanical name:Cistanthe grandiflora
This perennial will grow 12"-36" and produces large blue-green rosettes that last for a long season. It produces large, silky, lavender pink flowers that have lime-green, purple spotted calyces.
Common name:Dazzler Flax
Botanical name:Phormium 'Dazzler'
Dazzler Flax is a New Zealand flax with striped maroon and scarlet leaves from 3'-6' in height.
Common name:Royal Burgundy Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Royal Burgundy'
A deciduous deep burgundy leaved shrub with upright/mounding branches which reaches 2 ft high and 2-3 ft wide. The foliage becomes reddish burgundy in summer and fall. Similar to 'Crimson Pygmy' but a deeper, richer color.
Common name:Kaleidescope Pink Abelia
Botanical name:Abelia X gra. 'Kaleidescope'
This Abelia derives its name from the golden yellow variegated leaves and red stems which gives it a "kaleidoscope" effect. This medium-sized evergreen shrub blooms all summer, showing small, pink bell-shaped flowers. It is a low, compact selection for patio containers or massing as a groundcover. Great plant for accenting purposes. It can reach 2.5' tall and spread 3.5'. Needs regular water during hot spells.
Photographer: Vicki Anderson
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
In general, lawns only need to be watered once every three days.
Check your irrigation controller and reduce watering times if necessary.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.