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Zen Meets Southwest
Black Bamboo
Horsetail
Black Bamboo

Common name:Black Bamboo
Botanical name:Phyllostachys nigra

This is a tall running, very exotic looking Bamboo that needs to be confined or it becomes invasive. Its one to two-story stalks are green the first year; then it becomes a dark purple to jet-black color. This bamboo can reach 25' tall slowly. It looks great in containers and for Asian themed gardens.

Horsetail

Common name:Horsetail
Botanical name:Equisetum hyemale

This reed-like plant has dark green, jointed stems that reach 3'-4' tall but will spread. It should receive sun to part shade with regular summer watering. The reed grass can be extremely invasive and is best when used in pots or when confined by a barrier. However, it can be extremely effective as an accent plant. While tolerant of wet conditions, the most successful plantings are those with regular watering and more during summer. It does well in coastal areas. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Zen Meets Southwest
Image: 7 of 15

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Water-Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.