Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.
Common name:European or Mediterranean Fan Palm
Botanical name:Chamaerops humilis
Slow growing multitrunked palm good for small areas and containers. Full sun or partial shade. Leaves have sharp spines. Native to Mediterranean and Africa.
Common name:Purple Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'
This grass will reach 6' high and has deciduous, purplish/red leaves with clusters of purple flowers that appear in summer and fall. Cut back hard in the winter to avoid frost damage and to allow vibrant new growth in the spring.
Designer:
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Ask for low water use plants at your local nursery.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.