Common name:Australian Tree Fern
Botanical name:Cyathea cooperi
This evergreen fern reaches a height of 10' with light green fronds that spread to a width of 15'. Its fronds are wider and held more horizontally than those of the Tasmanian fern tree. It requires part shade to shade, with average to little summer watering. This plant performs well in containers, and is damaged by frost below 25 degrees F. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata
This agave makes a bold statement in the garden because of its tropical form. Even light frost can damage succulent leaves. It performs well in containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut off the top. It is not a fast grower. This agave has light green foliage and NO teeth. This will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. It is distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk.
Designer: Michelle Derviss
Photographer: Michelle Derviss
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Apply as little fertilizer as possible.
If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.
