Common name:Smokebush
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria
This broadleaf deciduous shrub grows up to 5-10' tall, and 4-8' wide. It has a spreading loose habit. Leaves are oval shaped, small and green. Sometimes, they turn yellow, red or purple in fall. Flowers and seeds of this plant create a smoky appearance during summer. Morning dew on this plant during summer is attractive. This shrub does best in full sun with few soil requirements. Established plants are drought tolerant. Cut back old stems to the ground to encourage vigorous new growth.
Common name:Japanese Anemone
Botanical name:Anemone X hybrida
Anemone japonica is a long-lived, fibrous-rooked perennial which produces great fall color when grown in partial shade. Its graceful, branching stems rise 2'-4' out of clumps of dark green, lobed, hair-covered foliage. Flowers are semi-double and are found in white or pink colors with green or yellow centers. Once established, it spreads rapidly as long as the roots remain undisturbed. It needs well draining, moist soil and partial shade.
Common name:Sword Fern
Botanical name:Polystichum munitum
This Fern produces upright fronds, reaching 4'-5' tall in moist, cool forests in Northern California. This size is usually lower, especially without summer watering. It is great in containers or dry shade landscapes. This species is especially useful to give the illusion of lush, moist gardens where little water is actually being used. It should receive part shade to dense shade. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Designer: N/A
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.