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Small Deck Replacing Lawn
Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily
Arctotis Daisy, African Daisy
Chamomile, Roman Chamomile
Sweet Alyssum
Society Garlic
Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily

Common name:Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides

This clumping evergreen iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks to 3' tall. This variety has stiffer, darker foiliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established. Reseeds vigorously.

Arctotis Daisy, African Daisy

Common name:Arctotis Daisy, African Daisy
Botanical name:Arctotis hybrids

African Daisy hybrids grow 12-18" high x 12" wide and produce daisy-like flowers from spring through summer. These hybrids have lobed leaves and bloom in whtie, pink, red, purple, cream and orange. For trailing African Daisies, see Osteospermum fruticosum, or 'Freeway Daisy'.

Chamomile, Roman Chamomile

Common name:Chamomile, Roman Chamomile
Botanical name:Chamaemelum nobile

This evergreen perennial will grow 3-12" tall and works well as a groundcover. It produces flowers from midsummer to fall and does best in light shade to full sun. It can be mowed occasionally to control height; makes good lawn substitute.

Sweet Alyssum

Common name:Sweet Alyssum
Botanical name:Lobularia maritima

Lobularia maritima is an annual. Low, branching, trailing plant to 1 ft. tall, with narrow or lance-shaped leaves 1/2-2 in. long. Tiny, four-petaled white flowers crowded in clusters. Reseeds along coast.

Society Garlic

Common name:Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea

This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.

Designer: Creative Environments

Small Deck Replacing Lawn

Photographer: Creative Environments

Soils and Compost:

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

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation systems at least once per month (or after each mowing).

Monitor each cycle to identify obvious problems and to confirm that all of the components are functioning properly.

Contact your water agency for assistance.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.