Common name:Eastern Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis canadensis
This small, deciduous tree with a rounded head is covered with small flowers of a rose pink color in early spring before the appearance of heart-shaped leaves. It can grow to 20' tall and 15' wide. It does best in full sun. It has a low branching habit with a rounded form. During fall, foliage turns yellow. Eastern Redbud lives about 20 years. This is a great patio tree or for a small front yard; prune crossing branches to keep it to desired shape and size. 'Forest Pansy' cultivar has burgundy foliage.
Common name:Montebretia
Botanical name:Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora
Montebretia is a bulb, closely resembling gladiolus. Vertical, strap like leaves grow to 3' tall. Brilliant red, coral/apricot, red, red-orange, or bright yellow flowers sit on top of arching stalks during the summer. Plants may wither in winter but come back in spring. It requires sun to part shade. Once this plant is established, it requires little or no summer watering. This plant performs well in containers as it is considered invasive in some areas.
Common name:Golden Variegated Sedge
Botanical name:Carex elata 'Aurea'
This Sedge is a short ornamental grass the grows to about 3' in height. This plant is fire prone. Please use caution when planting near your home.
Designer: Phil Thornburg Winterbloom
Photographer: Phil Thornburg Winterbloom
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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.