Common name:California Gray Rush
Botanical name:Juncus patens

Although a wetland plant, Juncus patens can tolerate fairly dry conditions. It will slowly clump to 2'-3' wide and a height of 2'-2.5'. There are many selections of this species available with different heights and widths. It is carefree, with little to no maintenance. It provides great upright structure to many styles of landscapes.

Common name:Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage
Botanical name:Salvia spathacea

The extravagant leaves of this small clumping sage emit a perfectly sweet fragrance, which attracts hummingbirds. In the spring, the reddish pink flowering spikes become a deep fuchsia. It is a great plant for dry shade.

Common name:Southern Magnolia, Bull Bay
Botanical name:Magnolia grandiflora

Its large, simple, leathery appearance makes the pyramidal Magnolia grandiflora perfect for either a street or lawn tree. Its leaves are 4"-8" long, and its powerfully fragrant blooms are carried throughout the summer. Reddish brown cone shaped fruit appear in the fall. If these plants are grafted, they are more predictable (may take 15 years to bloom). Ungrafted trees will take only 2-3 years. Restricted root areas or heavy soils will slow the growth process.

Common name:Chinese Holly or Holly Grape
Botanical name:Berberis lomariifolia

This evergreen shrub is 6'-10' high and upright with a stiff, horizontal branching pattern. It has abundant yellow flowers at the tips and also blue berries.

Compost for Healthy Soil and Plants

The natural world works in cycles. Everything is changing form and moving from place to place in an endless energy exchange system. The leaves and twigs that fall to the ground, not to mention other life forms that might die, decompose and combine with water, air and minerals of the soil to create a medium for future plants.

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