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Gallery: Front Yards

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Courtyard Garden 4
Spanish Lavender
Common Horsechestnut
Purple Robe Locust
Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry
Spanish Lavender

Common name:Spanish Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula stoechas

This evergreen dense shrub grows 1' tall and 1-2' wide. It has gray green, narrow, long leaves. During spring, flowers on a cone-like spike capped with a purple butterfly-like flag appear on the top of the foliage. It is very attractive but not as fragrant as other lavender varieties. Many cultivars now available, with different color flowers. Tip shear after bloom period to encourage more density. Pruning should be done once a year, every year. This plant does well in full sun with well-draining soil.

Common Horsechestnut

Common name:Common Horsechestnut
Botanical name:Aesculus hippocastanum

While it is a bulky tree, the hippocastanum provides heavy shade and a beautiful flower show in spring from its drooping leaves. Its plumes are long ivory blossoms of 12", colored with a light hint of pink. This decidous tree can reach 75' tall with a 45'-60' spread. It is upright, oval and rounded. Roots are aggressive so it is not a good street tree. Common Horsechestnut needs extra water during the summer.

Purple Robe Locust

Common name:Purple Robe Locust
Botanical name:Robinia X 'Purple Robe'

Robinia X ambigua 'Purple Robe' is a deciduous tree that grows 25'-40' tall and 12'-25' wide with compound green leaves. It requires full sun, low watering (drought tolerant), and will live in poor soil. It has blue, pink, and purple flowers that bloom from April to June.

Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry

Common name:Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'

Pygmy purple leaf barberry is a deciduous shrub with arching branches which reaches 2 ft high and 3 ft wide. The foliage becomes bronzy red in summer and fall. 'Crimson Pygmy' prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This plant has thorns. It makes a great hedge. Prune in winter to re-shape.

Designer: Amy Whitworth

Courtyard Garden 4
Image: 21 of 22

Photographer: Amy Whitowrth

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.