Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum
Clouds of single flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive part sun. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Shasta Daisy
Botanical name:Chrysanthemum maximum
The Shasta Daisy is a favorite for beds or cut flowers with its white flowers that are 4" across with yellow centers. These flowers are borne during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Common name:Bearded Iris
Botanical name:Iris Bearded Hybrids
This perennial will grow 1-3' tall and has medium-size blue/green leaves with wonderful flowers that come in a variety of colors.
Common name:Artichoke
Botanical name:Cynara scolymus
This perennial will grow 4' tall and 6-8' wide. It has silvery green leaves with bluish purple flowers that bloom in spring. Artichoke is a favorite fruit/vegetable of California kitchens but it is a great ornamental plant often overlooked for color contrast. It is very tolerant of little water when planted for ornamental purposes.
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.
Common name:Common Yarrow, Milfoil
Botanical name:Achillea millefolium
Highlighting this perennial are spreading mats of fern-like rosettes, along with deeply divided leaves of a green or grey green color. In this form, the flowers are usually a white tone. Stems can reach 2-3ft above foliage. The yarrow propagates easily from rooted cuttings or division, which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded.
Common name:Endress' Cranesbill or Geranium
Botanical name:Geranium endressii
This handsome tree has near-evergreen leaves which have a long blooming period.
Designer: 740 Front Street, Santa Cruz | Cafe Mare Planting Bed |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
The water needs of plants and lawns change dramatically throughout the year.
Visit the watering guide in the watering tips section for more information.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.