Common name:Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegrass
Botanical name:Festuca glauca
This groundcover/grass will grow less than 1' tall and has small, blue green leaves.
Common name:Variegated Tobira
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata'
This variegated evergreen shrub or small tree has creamy margins on its gray green leaves. In spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Variegated Tobira is often used to brighten shaded areas.
Common name:Trailing Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana montevidensis
Lavender flowers accent the trailing growth habit of this Lantana. It is excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Eventually, it will reach about 2' tall by 6' wide; size is controlled by pruning and severity of winter. It does best in full sun and is drought tolerant. It grows rapidly, even in heat, smog and poor soil. It is cold hardy to 25 degrees F, but recovers quickly. Fruit is poisonous. Butterflies are attracted to Lantana.
Common name:Smooth Agave
Botanical name:Agave desmetiana 'Variegata'
Agave with an open rosette form grows quickly to 3' x 3'. Very attractive plant resembles Octopus Agave but smaller. Fleshy leaves are light green with smooth edges and a sharp tip. Will grow best in filtered sun or full shade. After several years, flower stalk will appear with bright yellow flowers in spring. Like most agaves, it will die after flowering but produces an abundance of offesets. Somewhat cold sensitive.
Common name:Green Cassia
Botanical name:Senna nemophila
This is a hardy, evergreen shrub that will grow to 5-6' tall and wide. The green foliage of this plant differentiates it from other cassias. Abundant clusters of yellow flowers appear frrom late winter to spring.
Designer: Amy Nettleton
Photographer: Amy Nettleton
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
In general, lawns only need to be watered once every three days.
Check your irrigation controller and reduce watering times if necessary.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.