Botanical Garden Bed IV

Common name:Lindheimer's Muhly
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia lindheimeri

Native to Mexico and TX, this stunning clump-forming grass is a winter dormant grass in cold climates, but usually semi-deciduous in mild climates. From the fall into winter emerge the 5' tall upright flower inflorescence, that rise well above the blue- gray foliage. The flowers are at first purple, then mature to a grey color. Best in full sun with regular watering but will tolerate drought and light shade. -Randy Baldwin San Marcos Growers

Common name:Rosemary
Botanical name:Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is hardy in full sun areas where winter temperatures do not drop below 10 degrees F. Rosemary is evergreen and makes a great aromatic hedge, 4'-6' tall and 2' wide. Foliage is used in cooking. Blue flowers appear in summer. This plant is drought tolerant once it's established. Bees love Rosemary!

Common name:Lavender Cotton
Botanical name:Santolina chamaecyparissus

This groundcover-small shrub will grow to 3' tall and has small, greyish-silver leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.

Common name:California Wild Grape
Botanical name:Vitis californica

The California Wild Grape is a woody deciduous vine with round large leaves. Small fragrant blooms appear in spring and berry clusters appear in the summer. This vine has sprawling , climbing growth habit. The California Wild grape is native to CA. It prefers full sun and well draining soil with regular watering.

Common name:California or Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue-green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Common name:Mexican Feather Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima

The Mexican Fan Grass is a fine, airy grass that is emerald green in color. It has many soft yellow-beige flower stalks in the spring.It is extremely invasive; the California Invasive Plant Council is working to halt commercial sale of this grass because it is taking over natural areas. This grass grows 10"-12" tall , 1'-2' wide, and is drought tolerant.

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:

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