Common name:Monterey Pine
Botanical name:Pinus radiata
The Pinus radiata is an evergreen with an incredibly fast growth rate. It survives well in coastal areas and in well-drained soils. With age, the tree drops its lower branches, thus producing a rounded, flat crown.
Common name:Kangaroo Paw
Botanical name:Anigozanthos hybrids
This tender perennial is a clump-forming evergreen that produces fuzzy, yellow/green flowers that bloom in spring and last for over 2 months. Many sizes and varieties are available including yellow and pink flowers.
Common name:Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta X faassenii
Nepeta faassenii makes soft, gray-green, undulating mounds o 1.5 ft. high in bloom. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in late spring, and early summer.
Designer: Tom Deyerlee Landscape Arch.
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.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.