Common name:Improved Meyer Lemon
Botanical name:Citrus meyeri 'Improved'
Improved Meyer Lemon is an evergreen tree that grows 3'-6' tall and 3'-6' wide; it has year around leaves that are glossy green. This tree likes well drained loam soil, with full sun; medium watering is required. It has white flowers and yellow edible fruit. Needs protection from the winter cold. Consider using as a potted tree which can brought inside in the winter.
Common name:Dwarf Escallonia
Botanical name:Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf'
Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf' is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves. Grows 2.5 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide, with deep pink to red flowers in summer. It can be grown in full sun but will need afternoon shade in hot inland valleys. It is drought tolerant once it's established.
Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica
The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.
Designer: Jack Lindeman
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
