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.
Common name:Big Blue Lily Turf
Botanical name:Liriope muscari
Grass-like clumps of dark green leaves 1" wide up to 18" long ae found on the Liriope muscari. It can reach a height of 12-15", and dark blue flowers spikes can be seen held above the leaves during the summer. This is an excellent border, accent or ground cover plant that requires part shade exposure.
Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia
The coast live oak is and evergreen round-headed tree. It can reach 15-40 ft. high and 20 ft. wide and grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies. -Cornflower Farms
Designer: Michele Clement Garden Design
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.
Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.