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Northern California Patio Backyard
Purple Smoke Tree
Ligtu Peruvian Lily
Eaton Canyon Dwarf Fountain Grass
Common Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegras
Feather Reed Grass
Purple Smoke Tree

Common name:Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the purpureus is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Its foliage has a redish purple color that turns somewhat green in summer. The plant requires sun to part shade, with little or no summer water. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Ligtu Peruvian Lily

Common name:Ligtu Peruvian Lily
Botanical name:Alstroemaria ligtu hybrids

The deciduous rhizomes of this Peruvian lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to part sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12-36" For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Eaton Canyon Dwarf Fountain Grass

Common name:Eaton Canyon Dwarf Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum 'Eaton Canyon'

This grass will grow 2-3' tall and has red or bronze colored stems that are very slender and topped red/ purple whips.

Common Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegras

Common name:Common Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegras
Botanical name:Festuca glauca

This groundcover/grass will grow less than 1' tall and has small, blue-green leaves.

Feather Reed Grass

Common name:Feather Reed Grass
Botanical name:Calamagrostis X acutiflora 'Karl Foerste

This ornamental perennial grass grows 4-6' tall x 1-1.5' wide and has semi-evergreen foliage that is green in spring and summer and turns green/brown in fall. The flowers bloom in mid June and emerge a light green but quickly turn to pink/purple.

Permeable Surfaces

If you have impermeable paving that you would like to make permeable, there are two main methods for doing so:
1. Break up hard paved surfaces to create spaces for water to seep through.
2. Remove and replace the surfaces with permeable paving.

Click in the green box for more information

Designer: Michelle Derviss

Northern California Patio Backyard
Image: 5 of 30

Photographer: Michelle Derviss

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.