Common name:Douglas Iris
Botanical name:Iris douglasiana
Douglas iris is an evergreen perennial for shade or partial sun with blue-violet spring flowers. It is a California native that is drought tolerant.
-Cornflower Farms
Common name:Dome Euphorbia
Botanical name:Euphorbia characias
This perennial will reach about 4' tall and has blue/green leaves with bright green flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring.
Common name:Blue Spike Sage
Botanical name:Salvia uliginosa
This clumping plant with straight stems of 6-7' and narrow, bright green leaves is a favorite of hummingbirds. These highly aromatic leaves are accented by pale blue and white flowers. The flowers are arranged in long, branched clusters measuring 5" long This plant blooms throughout the entire summer.
Common name:Sugar Bush
Botanical name:Rhus ovata
Dense rounded evergreen shrub growing 8-15 ft. tall & wide with creamy flowers between March & May. Small red fruit. Grows well in inland areas and is drought tolerant. Native dry mountain slopes 3-5000' Az, S. Calif into Baja. Leathery rich dark green foliage. Needs additional water in low desert every 2 weeks or afternoon shade. Well drained site. Susc. to verticillium wilt in wet areas.
| Designer: 2660 E Lake Ave., Watsonville | Native in our Midst |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Water Saving Tip:
Check soil moisture below the surface with a soil probe or large screwdriver, trowel or shovel. Don't assume the plants need water just because the soil surface looks dry.
Integrated Pest Management:
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.