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Compact Lacy Nandina
Crape Myrtle
Creeping Fig
Sweet Pea Shrub
Compact Lacy Nandina

Common name:Compact Lacy Nandina
Botanical name:Nandina domestica 'Compacta'

The dwarf heavenly bamboo is an evergreen shrub that grows 4'-5' tall and 3' wide. It has green and bronze foliage that turns red in the winter. Red berries appear in fall and winter. It is resistant to oak root fungus and hardy to 10 degrees F. Small white flowers appear in spring. It prefers full to part sun with a moderate amount of watering, more during hot summer areas. It is deer resistant and looks great in woodland theme gardens.

Crape Myrtle

Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.

Creeping Fig

Common name:Creeping Fig
Botanical name:Ficus pumila

This is one of the few plants that can attach itself securely to wood, masonry, or metal. Because there is no limit to its size, it can overcome an entire buliding. It is most often found in colder climates. This vine will not clim on southern or western walls.

Sweet Pea Shrub

Common name:Sweet Pea Shrub
Botanical name:Polygala X dalmaisiana

This evergreen shrub grows 3'-5' tall. Its leaves are gray green and narrow. Flowers produced are pea-like, with a purplish-pink color from summer through fall. Flowers are great in arrangements. This is a great plant if you need color quickly. Plants are not long lasting but worth the effort. Prune in winter to tidy this shrub.

Designer: Susan Stiltz

Table and Chairs

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tip:

In general, lawns only need to be watered once every three days.

Check your irrigation controller and reduce watering times if necessary.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.