Hotlinks:
ADD
Northern California Patio Backyard
Blue Fescue
CatMint
Smoke Tree
Ligtu Peruvian Lily
Blue Fescue

Common name:Blue Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca ovina glauca

This groundcover/grass will grow less than 1' tall and has small, blue/green leaves.

CatMint

Common name:CatMint
Botanical name:Nepeta faassenii

Nepeta faassenii makes soft, gray-green, undulating mounds o 1.5 ft. high in bloom. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in late spring, and early summer.

Smoke Tree

Common name:Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the purpureus is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Its foliage has a redish purple color that turns somewhat green in summer. The plant requires sun to part shade, with little or no summer water. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Ligtu Peruvian Lily

Common name:Ligtu Peruvian Lily
Botanical name:Alstroemaria ligtu hybrids

The decidupous rhizomes of this Peruvian lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to part sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12-36" For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Designer: Michelle Derviss

Northern California Patio Backyard

Photographer: Michelle Derviss

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

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