Common name:Japanese Black Pine
Botanical name:Pinus thunbergii
This variety of pine is both rigid and twisted, reaching 20' tall and 10' wide. It has an irregular shape, and the short, contorted branches eventually produce a canopy-shaped tree. Bright green needles are 4" long. New foliage, called candles, are white colored. Cones are oval shaped and brown, about 3" long. This is a great tree for an outdoor Christmas tree or for bonsai. It needs full sun and a moderate amount of water.
Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica
Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.
Common name:Lamb's Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina
This tiny shrub will grow less than 1' tall and has medium-size, greyish-green leaves with blue and lavender flowers that bloom in the spring. This shrub is grown more for its velvety leaves than the flowers. It is drought tolerant once it's established. Be careful not to overwater.
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.
Common name:Bugle Flower, Carpet Bugle
Botanical name:Ajuga reptans
This colorful groundcover will grow in shade or sun with slightly moist soil. It is an evergreen with purplish rosettes that spread quickly on purplish stems. Blue bloom spikes cover these plants in April and May, and are 6"-8" when blooming. This versatile groundcover can also be used in shady wildflower beds. -Holland Wildflower Farm
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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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
