Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana
Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. Upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. Grows to 8" high. It is drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.
Common name:Natchez Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia 'Natchez'
This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a tall, arching tree which grows to 30' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with white flowers in the summer; leaves turn orange-red in fall. It is mildew-resistant and does well in areas with hot summers. Crape myrtles bloom on new wood so prune in winter/early spring to increase flowering.
Common name:Evergreen Elm
Botanical name:Ulmus parvifolia
Semievergreen tree will grow about 35' x 35' with an umbrellalike canopy. It has leathery, dark green leaves and nonshowy green flowers in the spring. Will drop its leaves breifly in the winter. Accepts lawn conditions. Attractive bark. Native to China.
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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.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Ask for low water use plants at your local nursery.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.