Common name:Sundrops 'Sierra Sundrop'
Botanical name:Calylophus hartwegii

This low-growing perennial grows 1' x 2' and has rhizome spreading, woody stems with bright green leaves. It produces large, lemon yellow flowers that are up to 4" across and bloom spring through summer. 'Sierra Sundrop' a select strain.

Common name:Olive
Botanical name:Olea europaea

This broad tree will grow to 40' tall and has small, gray green leaves with fleshy black fruit that appears in fall. Purchase fruitless varieties to avoid the mess.

Common name:Kangaroo Paws
Botanical name:Anigozanthos flavidus

This tender perennial is a clump-forming evergreen that produces fuzzy, yellow green flowers that bloom in spring and last for over 2 months.

Common name:Red Cross Kangaroo Paws
Botanical name:Anigozanthos 'Red Cross'

Red Cross Kangaroo Paws has showy, tall (4'-5'), multi- branched stems with rich red color on both flowers and stems. The flowers have a green interior. It is fast growing.

Common name:Strawberry Madrone
Botanical name:Arbutus 'Marina'

The 'Marina' has gorgeous bark, with leaves that are smaller and not as glossy as Pacific Madrone. Its flowers are pink, borne in pendant clusters in the summer. The fruit is large, red and quite ornamental. The plant should be grown in sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. The 'Marina' prefers good drainage.

Common name:Brazilian Lilac Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena bonariensis

This 4'-5' tall plant is a drought hardy performer, with blooms atop the sturdy, squarish stem all summer and fall. The flower is a striking purple tuft that makes a good fresh or dried flower. The sparse foliage makes this a great accent flower that hovers high and blends well. Deadheading will prolong its blooming.

Common name:Mueller's Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca muelleri

This Central European native fescue has shiny, dark green foliage that is slightly bluish green. It is a cool season grass that grows up to 8 inches tall and equally wide. If massed together it can become a lawn alternative.

Common name:Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena peruviana

This perennial forms a flat mat that covers an area rapidly. It has dark green leaves with clusters of bright flowers that bloom all year. Hybrids will have a little more height, different flower colors and spread more slowly. It is drought tolerant.

The Magic of Mulch

In the natural world the endless cycle of birth, growth, decay, death and rebirth flows throughout the seasons. Plants die, leaves fall and new growth springs up in its place. Nothing is lost and the fallen leaves and dead plants decay into the soil, enriching it for the next generation of growth.

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