Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa
The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.
Common name:Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya
Botanical name:Cereus peruvianus
This cactus can grow 25' high and produces large, white blooms. It does best in full sun and dry soil.
Common name:Climbing Rose, Golden Showers
Botanical name:Rosa 'Golden Showers'
This climbing rose has dark green, glossy foliage with lightly fragrant flowers that are loosely petaled and change from golden yellow fading to cream. There are few thorns on this vine and can grow 6'10' tall, arching gracefully.
Common name:Bearded Iris
Botanical name:Iris Bearded Hybrids
This perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium sized, blue green leaves with flowers of different colors that bloom in spring. It needs well draining soil and full sun. Many are fragrant and rebloom several times a year. Plant rhizomes in Sept or Oct. They need water once a week during the hot spells. Top dress with compost and gypsum in January and August.
Common name:Chinese Wisteria
Botanical name:Wisteria sinensis
While the sinensis is similar to the floribunda, it bears more rounded, full clusters of strongly fragrant flowers which open more or less, all at once. There are usually 13-15 leaflets per leaf, and they require full sun and average to little watering. It comes in many colors in the blues, whites and purples.-Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica
This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Designer: Geoff Sarkissian
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.