Common name:Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
This Japanese Maple grows as a small, deciduous tree complete with palmate leaves that turn red and endure for the entire season.
Common name:Hosta (hybrid) assorted
Botanical name:Hosta hybrids
Has various leaf shapes, textures and colors. They form striking clumps. Both flowers and foliage are nice in fresh arrangements. Part to full shade. Keep away from slugs.
Common name:Potato Vine
Botanical name:Solanum laxum
An evergreen vine (in mild climates) that quickly grows to 30 feet with dark green to almost blackish, ovate-lanceolate leaves. In mild climates, the star-shaped white flowers, produced abundantly on a branching inflorescence, can bloom year-round, the peak bloom period being in spring. Plant in sun or part shade and water regularly. Cold Hardy to 10 °F. Reportedly tolerant of near seashore conditions. A fast growing, attractive vine that can quickly cover a small arbor or chain link fence. As will many plants in the potato family, vegetative parts are poisonous as are the fruits, so they should not be ingested and fruit should be cleaned up so pets do not eat. Does best with regular watering.
Common name:Arrowwood Viburnum
Botanical name:Viburnum dentatum
This deciduous shrub will grow 6'-10' tall and has dark green leaves that turn yellow, orange, or deep red in the fall. Creamy white flowers bloom in late spring and are followed by bluish black fruit.
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
Designer: Jim Mathys
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.