Common name:Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
This beautiful tree reaches 10' tall and wide, growing at a moderate pace. Acer needs afternoon shade in hot inland areas and regular watering and more during hot summer months. It prefers acid, well draining soil. Leaves are dissected, with an overall weeping habit. Foliage is burgundy in spring, changing to red in fall before dropping. This is a spectacular tree for Asian style gardens.
Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.
Common name:Butterfly Iris or Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides
This clumping evergreen iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks to 3' tall, appearing spring through fall. This variety has stiffer, darker foiliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established. This is a very reliable plant. Divide every 3-5 years to keep it looking fresh.
Designer: Yannis Landscaping
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.