Common name:California Meadow Sedge
Botanical name:Carex pansa
This native Carex can be successfully used as a lawn substitute but requires significant water to obtain good coverage. Once coverage is reached, water can be reduced and maintenance is close to zero. Unmowed, the plant can be used effectively in a variety of conditions and will reach a height of 6" or under and spreads by rhizomes eventually to 2' +.
Common name:Pacific Wax Myrtle
Botanical name:Myrica californica
This large shrub/tree can reach 30' tall and has glossy, dark green leaves with purple nutlets that attract birds. Used very effectively as a screen.
Common name:Needle Grass
Botanical name:Stipa pulchra
The needle grass is a cool season bunchgrass that grows 1-2 ft. tall with graceful, shiny flower stalks that reach 30 in. long in the spring. This grass is fire retardant, tolerates drought, and is good in mass plantings and restoration uses. The needle grass is California's State Grass and is a beneficial insect plant. -Cornflower Farms
Ground cover between stepping stones makes the walkway permeable for rainwater and irrigation.
More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.
Click in the green box for more information
| Designer: Stephanie Morris | Relaxing in the Garden |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
