Common name:Mexican Feather Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima

This ornamental grass grows to 2' tall. It goes partially dormant during the summer but green in spring and fall. It prefers a sunny, well drained site. This plant can be invasive in some areas, so use caution. To keep reseeding to a minimum, drip irrigation will be best. Cut back in early spring to remove dormant foliage and dried seed heads. It can also tolerate dry shade. It grows to 10" wide and is the finest textured of the ornamental grasses.

Common name:Pork And Beans
Botanical name:Sedum X rubrotinctum

This groundcover will grow less than 1' tall and has small leaves that vary in color and are brownish bronze in the fall. Red and yellow flowers will bloom in spring and summer.

Common name:Shrimp Pink Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe saponaria

This succulent plant will grow about 2' high and has large, greenish/white leaves with orange, pink, and red flowers that bloom in spring and fall.

Common name:Jupiter's Beard, Red Valerian
Botanical name:Centranthus ruber

This perennial groundcover will grow 1'-3' high and has medium-size blue/green leaves with red, pink, or white flowers that bloom in the summer.

Common name:Strawberry Madrone
Botanical name:Arbutus 'Marina'

The 'Marina' has gorgeous bark, with leaves that are smaller and not as glossy as Pacific Madrone. Its flowers are pink, borne in pendant clusters in the summer. The fruit is large, red and quite ornamental. The plant should be grown in sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. The 'Marina' prefers good drainage. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Tall Fescue, Marathon (turf blend)
Botanical name:Festuca arundinacea 'Marathon'

This grass is best when kept at about 2"-2.5" high, but it has a root depth of about 6'. It is a beautiful, dark green color all year and is used in a variety of locations.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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