Common name:Blue Oat Grass
Botanical name:Helictotrichon sempervirens
The blue oat grass is a evergreen blue clumping grass that grows 12-18 in. tall and wide. Its showy flowers are 1-2 ft. above the foliage. This plant looks good alone as well as in mass plantings. The blue oat grass likes dry hill sides and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Wide-leaf Myoporum
Botanical name:Myoporum parvifolium 'Putah Creek'
This evergreen groundcover grows 1' high x 8' wide. It is drought tolerant once established; blooms with white flowers. It cannot take foot traffic.
Common name:Cushion Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus ladanifera latifolius
The palhinae variety produces long, pointed leaves and large white flowers with a small crimson spot. Its narrow leaves, rounded at the tips, are well-covered with a beautiful shiny, sticky resin, appearing "varnished." The plant requires average to good drainage, and little or no summer watering when established. It should be grown in sun or part shade. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Designer: 119 Center Street, Santa Cruz | Grasses and Ground Cover |
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.
Water trees and shrubs by deep-soaking occasionally with low-volume irrigation equipment (drip, micro-sprays, or bubblers) to promote healthy, deep rooting.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.