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Outdoor Escape
Japanese Maple
Elijah Blue Fescue
Cape Rush
Weeping Bottlebrush
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.

Elijah Blue Fescue

Common name:Elijah Blue Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca 'Elijah Blue'

The 'Elijah Blue' is a dwarf, very glaucous variety with almost white foliage. It should receive sun and little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursrey

Cape Rush

Common name:Cape Rush
Botanical name:Chondropetalum tectorum

Chondropetalum tectorum has 3-4 ft. tall stems that shoot out in all directions from the roots. Each stem has papery bracts connected to the endes that turn from tan to dark drown, then fall off. Chondropetalum can grow in marshes, in the ground with regular watering, or in drought conditions.

Weeping Bottlebrush

Common name:Weeping Bottlebrush
Botanical name:Callistemon viminalis

The Weeping Bottlebrush is a small tree with spreading branches that grows to a size of 15-25' in height. It produces narrow clusters of dark red flowers, and performs best with average to occasional summer watering.

Designer:

Outdoor Escape

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:

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:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.