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Tour: Outdoor Living

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Entryway with Shade
Trailing Rosemary
Ocotillo
Big Bend Yucca
Golden Barrel Cactus
Thornless Honey Mesquite
Trailing Rosemary

Common name:Trailing Rosemary
Botanical name:Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

This horticultral selection grows at a moderate rate to 2' x 4'. Flowers are blue in color, and appear winter to spring. The the leaves dark green, and highly aromatic. This plant makes a good ground cover, and its leaves can be used as seasoning in cooking.

Ocotillo

Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens

Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.

Big Bend Yucca

Common name:Big Bend Yucca
Botanical name:Yucca rostrata

One of the most attractive tree yuccas. Grows slowly to about 10' tall. Blue leaves are up to 2' long and have a sharp terminal spine. Old leaves persist on the plant and provide sun protection. It has a spectacular summer display of cream white flowers. Prefers full sun or very light shade and rocky well drained soil. Native to the Chihuahuan desert.

Golden Barrel Cactus

Common name:Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name:Echinocactus grusonii

Globe shaped cactus grows slowly to 1-1/2' x 2'. Golden spines line medium green ribs. Yellow flowers appear in spring. Full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. Striking accent. Looks attractive in groupings. Native to southern Mexico.

Thornless Honey Mesquite

Common name:Thornless Honey Mesquite
Botanical name:Prosopis glandulosa 'Maverick'

This deciduous tree will grow 12'-40' tall and has bright green leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in spring. 'Maverick' is unique because it is a thornless form.

Designer: Margaret Joplin

Entryway with Shade
Image: 2 of 9

Photographer: Margaret Joplin

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Water Saving Tip:

Replace damaged nozzles or heads with those identical to other heads on the same valve.

Mixing different types of heads on the same valve will create overly dry areas or overly wet areas.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.