Common name:Japanese Fatsia or Aralia
Botanical name:Fatsia japonica

This evergreen shrub has large, glossy, fan-like leaves that grow to 16" wide. It has ,oderate growth rate to a size of 5-8' that can be kept lower with occasional pruning. It has a very lush, tropical appearance, and grows well in partial shade.

Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3 to 6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.

Common name:Amethyst Mist Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Amethyst Mist'

This perennial will grow 1-2' tall and has medium-sized green leaves with pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

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.

Common name:Fern Pine
Botanical name:Podocarpus gracilior

Soft, narrow, pointed leaves on graceful arching branches charatcerize this plant. The foliage is gray-green, and the plant can be used as an individual specimen, screen, or even a small tree.

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

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