Common name:Tree Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe arborescens
This shrub is large, full of branches and produces deep orange blooms. The flowers produce a nectar that is attractive to many different birds; this plant is grown all over the world.
Common name:Brisbane Box
Botanical name:Lophostemon confertus
Brisbane Box (Tristania conferta) is a very fast-growing evergreen tree that is native to Australia. It is a common tree to use in parkways and residential gardens because it is low-water-use, low maintenance, and resistant to pests, disease, and smog conditions. This is a great selection to be used in a medium garden to screen neighboring houses or undesirable views, as the tree is fast-growing and has a dense, upright canopy, maturing at 50’ tall and up to 30’ wide. This tree can take most soil and water conditions, so it can be used in almost all styles of gardens. It is very drought-tolerant, but its larger, dark green leaves make it look lush. When it starts to reach its mature height, the tree can thin out, giving it a more arid look. If the desired effect in the garden is to have a full, dense canopy, it is best to leave the pruning and care to a licensed arborist. There is no need to fertilize this tree as it already has a fast-growth habit, and the supplemental nutrients will only encourage more growth. This tree should be planted at least three feet away from any hardscape areas, eight feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about two feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.
Common name:Prostrate Rosemary
Botanical name:Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
The 'Prostratus' grows to a height of 2'-3' with a spread to 8'. Its flowers are pale, lavender blue in color; the leaves are needle-like with a dark, blue-green color. This plant makes a good ground cover, and its leaves can be used as seasoning in cooking.
Common name:Sugar Bush
Botanical name:Rhus ovata
This dense, rounded evergreen shrub grows 8'-15' tall and wide, with creamy flowers between March and May. The shrub bears small red fruit. It grows well in inland areas and is drought tolerant. The foliage is leathery and rich looking and dark green in color. It needs additional water in low desert areas every 2 weeks or plant in area with afternoon shade. It needs a well drained site. It is susceptible to verticillium wilt in wet areas.
Designer: N/A
Photographer: GardenSoft
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.