Koi in the Garden

Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera sanguinea

Tufts of round leaves 2"-3" wide with scalloped edges accent this plant. It also produces wiry stems to 24" tall with open clusters of red-pink, bell-shaped flowers.

Common name:Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Crimson Queen'

This species of Acer has foliage which is very fine and double-lobed on the edges, showing bright, crimson red coloring. The low branching habit serves to create a delicate weeping effect. All Acers are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves in the fall and are completely bare in the winter.

Common name:Japanese Camellia
Botanical name:Camellia japonica

An evergreen shrub or small tree, the Camellia japonica can reach 6-15' depending on the variety. It is intended for growth in part sun to shade, with average to little summer watering when established. They make excellent container plants. -Monterey Bay Nursery

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:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

Integrated Pest Management:

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