Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum
This magnificent plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds.
The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.
Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.
Common name:White Baccopa
Botanical name:Sutera cordata
White Baccopa is a prostrate ground cover with white flowers. It stays under 12" in height.
Common name:Rainbow Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca amethystima 'Superba'
The rainbow fescue is a hardy fescue with fine blue green foliage that grows 8 in. It has spring flowers that are 12 in. above the foliage . This fescue is a very showy, neat grass for sunny spots during spring and fall. The rainbow fescue is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Miniature Marguerite
Botanical name:Chrysanthemum paludosum
Chrysanthemum paludosum is an annual in Alaska. In the summer bears white flowers resembling minature Shasta daisies on 8-10 in. stems.
Sustainable landscaping is a term coined to mean sensible landscape practices that work within the limits of the Eco-system. This means within the limits of your local rainfall, soil conditions and sun patterns.
Click in the green box for more information
Designer: Connie Lefkowits
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.