Grasses and Ground Cover

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

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:

Use water saving equipment, e.g. rain or soil-moisture sensors, MP rotator nozzles, weather-based controllers, and low-volume irrigation (drip systems, soaker hoses, and microsprayers).

Integrated Pest Management:

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