Common name:Golden Variegated Forest Grass
Botanical name:Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
This weeping grass has amazing foliage that is yellow and green in the summer, yellow and light green in the fall, and bronzy brown in winter. It is drought tolerant and can be used in a variety of areas.
Common name:Yellow Dead Nettle
Botanical name:Lamium maculatum 'Aureum'
The 'Aureum' grows to a size of 6" tall, spreading by underground stolons or rooting in the stems. Its light green leaves are flushed light yellow, and in the summer, produces pale pink flowers. Considering their delicate appearance, the plants are remarkably cold and drought tolerant and do not seem to be bothered much by bugs. When established in coastal gardens, the plant needs little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Hybrid Helleborus or Hellebore
Botanical name:Helleborus hybrids
The Helleborus hybrids are evergreen plants that are a favorite for many gardeners due to the variety of flower colors and ease of growth. They maintain their dark green, glossy foliage through winter. By late winter, cut back the old foliage to view the emerging flower stalks. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and light to dark shade. It looks great in mass plantings under trees or large shrubs for a woodland effect. Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous
Designer: Vanessa Nagel
Photographer: Vanessa Nagel
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
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.