Common name:Groundcover Coyote Brush
Botanical name:Baccharis pilularis 'Twin Peaks'
Complete with a strong, dense root system which clings attractively to slopes, this makes for an excellent low maintenance ground cover. In addition, it has no messy seeds.
Common name:Purple Needlegrass
Botanical name:Nassella pulchra
The needle grass is a cool season bunchgrass that grows 1-2 ft. tall with graceful, shiny flower stalks that reach 30 in. long in the spring. This grass is fire retardant, tolerates drought, and is good in mass plantings and restoration uses. The needle
Common name:Blue Blossom Ceanothus
Botanical name:Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'
Ceanothus ‘Skylark’ is a good choice for small gardens. This lush green, compact Ceanothus thyrsiflorus cultivar flowers profusely and later than all other ceanothus extending your flower season into early summer. Dark blue flower spikes appear in spring lasting into summer, and some flowering will occur again in fall. It is slow growing to 3-6 ft tall with 5 foot spread making it ideal for smaller spaces. Plant in full sun on the coast or in part shade inland. Skylark performs best in heavier clay soils but will tolerate sandier soils if needed. Ceanothus are favorites of butterflies and pollinators, adding to their landscape value.
Designer: Dave Buchanan
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 around plants helps retain water and improves the soil.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.
