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Gallery: Perennial Gardens

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Rick's Corner
California Poppy, Golden Poppy
New Zealand Flax
Red Leaf Japanese Barberry
Dymondia, Rock Ditty
Germander Sage
California Poppy, Golden Poppy

Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue/green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

New Zealand Flax

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.

Red Leaf Japanese Barberry

Common name:Red Leaf Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'

A thorny, deciduous shrub growing 4-6' high and as wide, Red Japanese Barberry can be contained with some light pruning in winter. Its purplish-red leaves contrast beautifully against a dark green background. It prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This is a great barrier plant.

Dymondia, Rock Ditty

Common name:Dymondia, Rock Ditty
Botanical name:Dymondia margaretae

This foliage is gray/green/silvery and the margaretae is a very dense, mat forming groundcover. It tolerates drought, cold, salt spray and poor soils. It's deep rooted and produces small, inconspicuous yellow flowers. Great for use in between stepping stones or pavers.

Germander Sage

Common name:Germander Sage
Botanical name:Salvia chamaedryoides

This low mounding perennial with a long bloom period, spreads by underground runners. It produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have a spicy fragrance. Germander Sage reaches 2' tall and wide. Heaviest blooms are in spring and early fall, but intermittent throughout the year. It requires full sun, well draining soil and is drought tolerant once it's established. Do not fertilize.

Designer:

Rick's Corner
Image: 9 of 20

Photographer: Vicki Anderson

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Integrated Pest Management:

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