Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica
The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Its fall color is affected by the weather. While it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The colors of its flowers are shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew.
Common name:Scarlet Bugler
Botanical name:Penstemon barbatus
Perennial that will grow to 6' x 3'. Plant forms a rosette of leaves at the base that are oblong to oval. Flower stalks have red two lipped flowers in early spring, sparsely in fall. Needs a well drained sites. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Attracts hummingbirds. Native in Utah into Mexico.
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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.
Group plants according to their water needs.
Creating separate zones for drought-tolerant plants, medium water-use plants, and water-thirsty grass will help prevent overwatering.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
