Common name:Black Beauty Elder
Botanical name:Sambucus nigra ' Black Beauty'
Deciduous shrub that has light purple foliage and vibrant pink flowers. Purple berries soon follow that are suitable for producing wine.
Common name:California Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca californica
The California Fescue is a cool season bunchgrass with blue-green blades that reach 2' high. The violet colored flower stalks are 5' tall, appearing in spring and summer, creating fountain-like clumps. This grass is drought tolerant for sun and shade although it looks better with additional summer water. The California fescue is native to CA and is a beneficial insect plant. Plant on dry sunny slopes or on the edge of a dry creek bed. Fire prone plant be care using it near the home.
Designer: Laurie Sager & Associates
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
