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Meditation Corner
Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
New Zealand Flax
Boston Ivy
Douglas Iris
Netted Chain Fern
Japanese Maple
Kupuka Tree
California Wild Grape
Giant Chain Fern
Golden Variegated Hakonechloa
Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave

Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata

Makes a bold statement in the garden because of its tropical form. Even light frost can damage succulent leaves. Great for containers. In the low desert partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in ground to root. Not a fast grower. Light green foliage. This will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk. Soil tolerant. Unarmed. From Mexico Central Jalisco.

New Zealand Flax

Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'

Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.

Boston Ivy

Common name:Boston Ivy
Botanical name:Parthenocissus tricuspidata

This deciduous vine grows leaves that are usually lobed and divided into 3 leaflets. It clings tightly to any surface.

Douglas Iris

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

Netted Chain Fern

Common name:Netted Chain Fern
Botanical name:Woodwardia areolata

The Netted chain fern is a small fern that grows 2-3 ft. tall. It can tolerate full sun but does best in some shade. This fern is native to California and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms

Japanese Maple

Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificent plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.

Kupuka Tree

Common name:Kupuka Tree
Botanical name:Griselinia littoralis

This broad shrub will grow 6-15' tall and has medium-size greenish/yellow leaves without flowers. It does well in full sun or partial shade with regular watering.

California Wild Grape

Common name:California Wild Grape
Botanical name:Vitis californica

The California wild grape is a woody deciduous vine that with round large leaves. The flowers are in small fragrant blooms and berry clusters appear in the summer. This vine has sprawling , climbing growth habit. The California wild grape is native to California and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms

Giant Chain Fern

Common name:Giant Chain Fern
Botanical name:Woodwardia fimbriata

The giant chain fern is a large fern that grows 4-8 ft. tall. It can tolerate full sun but does best in some shade. This fern is native to California and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms

Golden Variegated Hakonechloa

Common name:Golden Variegated Hakonechloa
Botanical name:Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

This weeping grass has amazing foliage that is yellow and green in the summer, yellow and light green in the fall, and bronze/brown in winter. It is drought tolerant and can be used in a variety of areas.

Designer:

Meditation Corner

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:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.