Common name:Iceland Poppy
Botanical name:Papaver nudicaule

This Iceland Poppy produces leaves that are divided with flowers, appearing on stems 1'-2' high. These flowers are cup-shaped to 3" across, and come in colors of yellow, orange, salmon, rose, pink and cream.

Common name:Beach Strawberry, Sand Strawberry
Botanical name:Fragaria chiloensis

This perennial grows 4"-8" high with tooth-edged leaves and ornamental strawberries during the fall. Cut back or mow in early spring to encourage new growth.

Common name:French Marigold
Botanical name:Tagetes patula

This plant will grow 1'-3' tall and has small, dark green leaves with gold, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.

Common name:Artichoke
Botanical name:Cynara scolymus

This perennial will grow 4' tall and 6'-8' wide. It has silvery green leaves with bluish purple flowers that bloom in spring. Artichoke is a favorite fruit/vegetable of California kitchens but it is a great ornamental plant often overlooked for color contrast. It is very tolerant of little water when planted for ornamental purposes.

Common name:American or African Marigold
Botanical name:Tagetes erecta

This Marigold will grow to about 3' high and has small, green or dark green leaves with orange, yellow, or white flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Common name:Tall Fescue, Marathon (turf)
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.

Common name:Reiter's Red Thyme
Botanical name:Thymus serpyllum

This attractive and reliable groundcover is so dense that it can smother out weeds. It reaches 3" tall and spreads 30". Leaves are tiny and dark green. Can tolerate some foot traffic. Tiny pink flowers appear in summer. This plant is great for a rock or Mediterranean style garden. It prefers full to part sun and has low water requirements once it's established. It will cover adjacent sidewalks and rocks. Bees love this plant too.

Common name:Daylily (hybrid selection)
Botanical name:Hemerocallis hybrids

These summer-blooming perennials form clumps with large, grass-like leaves. Its showy flowers, resembling lilies, are borne in clusters on stems held well above the foliage. Daylilies can be found in many colors: yellow, orange, red, purple, pink or multi-colored. Hemerocallis does better in well-draining soil and with extra summer water. Hemerocallis are very hardy,with few or none pests/problems.

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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