Common name:Mondo Grass, Black
Botanical name:Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
This plant makes a tuft of approximately 8" and is about 1' wide. It has very unusual leaves that start out green and turn black in a couple of weeks. It has pink summer flowers but is grown for the unusual black foliage.
Common name:Dusty Miller Shrub
Botanical name:Senecio cineraria
The Dusty Miller grows to 2' tall and wide, with velvety gray leaves that have broad, roundish lobes. Yellow flowers heads appear in summer and sometimes, intermittently. Dead head occasionally to encourage bushiness. Use foliage for cut flower arrangements. It prefers full sun and medium amount of watering. It is not frost hardy.
Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum
This magnificient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. (2nd photo courtesy of Steve Mullany)
Putting the right plants in the right places in the right groupings is both the challenge and art of good landscape design.
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Designer: Solid Ground Landscape
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
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.