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Pink Paver Walkway
Torch Lily
Coast  Live Oak
Blackstem Pittosporum, Tawhiwhi
Torch Lily

Common name:Torch Lily
Botanical name:Kniphofia hybrids

This perennial will grow to about 6' tall and has large green leaves with red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Coast  Live Oak

Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is one of the best trees for California native or California-friendly gardens. It grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is an evergreen tree that can reach 25’-70' tall and up to 70' wide, so make sure you have the space in your garden to support it. It is considered very low-water-use and is susceptible to root rot in gardens that are over-irrigated. Plant it with other California natives or low-water plants and stick to a watering cycle that includes watering during the fall, winter, and spring with no supplemental water in the summer. The tree is a slow grower and has an irregular shape when it is young, so it is important to make minimal pruning cuts to improve the look of the canopy. Over-pruning or hedging can take years to recover from, so consult or hire a licensed arborist when the shaping becomes out of your reach. This tree will eventually become a large shade tree; therefore, the plant selection around it may need to be adjusted as it matures. This tree should be planted at least five feet away from any hardscape areas, 20 feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about four feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.

Blackstem Pittosporum, Tawhiwhi

Common name:Blackstem Pittosporum, Tawhiwhi
Botanical name:Pittosporum tenuifolium

This medium sized evergreen shrub has medium green leaves with black stems. Its pleasing texture and narrow, upright growth make this a fine hedge or screen. It is easy to grow in soils with good drainage. Many new cultivars are being introduced with smaller, variegated and/or multi-colored foliage.

Pink Paver Walkway
Image: 43 of 50

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Integrated Pest Management:

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