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Tour: "Lawn to Garden" Mediterranean Garden

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Color and Texture
Century Plant, Maguey
Lamb's Ears
Giant Catmint
Ivy Geranium
Red-Hot Poker, Torch Lily
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Yellow Margin Century Plant
Eulalia Grass
Hamelin White Plume Fountain Grass
Century Plant, Maguey

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

Fast growing to about 6-10' tall x 8-13' wide. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart out. After blooming, which could take several years. it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Lamb's Ears

Common name:Lamb's Ears
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'

Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina Silver Carpet) is a handsome, fuzzy, grey-leaved groundcover that thrives in problem areas such as dry shade and poor soils. Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is a drought resistant (xeric), non-flowering perennial plant. 4-6" tall x 18-30" wide. Silver Carpet Lamb's Ear is a handsome, fuzzy, grey-leaved groundcover that thrives in problem areas such as dry shade and poor soils. Non-flowering, use the foliage to contrast nicely with green and blue leaved plants. A great medium spreading groundcover that thrives in the xeric garden. Best in regions with dry summer heat; avoid planting in areas with high humidity, as these conditions can cause foliar rot. Good for firescaping.

Giant Catmint

Common name:Giant Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'

From the early summer and into the fall, this aromatic plant will bloom with gray-green foliage and lavender blue flowers. This perennial grows from 30" to reach a height and width of 3'. It is tolerant of both humidity and drought. This perennial is effective when grown below roses, as a filler in perennial gardens, and as an edging plant. It also is complemented by pines and pale yellow flowers. The perennial should be placed in a well-drained location.

Ivy Geranium

Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum

Clouds of single flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive part sun. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Red-Hot Poker, Torch Lily

Common name:Red-Hot Poker, Torch Lily
Botanical name:Kniphofia hybrids

This perennial will grow to about 6' tall and has large green leaves and has red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac

Common name:Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Botanical name:Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush is a fast growing deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub ranging from 3' up to 10'. It has an open, rangy growth habit. It should be cut back nearly to the ground in fall or spring for size control and appearance. - Cornflower Farms There are various cultivars that come in pinks and purple flowers.

Yellow Margin Century Plant

Common name:Yellow Margin Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana marginata

Marginata has a creamy yellow margin around the edge of the leaves and will grow 6-10' tall x 13' wide. It is a native to Mexico, and has a very open growth habit with leaves that recurve along their length.

Eulalia Grass

Common name:Eulalia Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo'

'Flamingo' creates architectural interest in the garden because of the tall stature of the leaves which curve gracefully. Green foliage turn tan colored as cold weather approaches. Pink flower panicles appear on top of foliage during the fall season, turning silvery colored. This beautiful grass can reach 7' tall and wide. It should be divided every 2-3 years to refreshen the foliage. It attracts birds and is deer resistant. It is heat tolerant (not desert adapted) and prefers full sun or light shade. Flowers can be cut and dried for creative arrangements. Is very dependable and tough but considered invasive in some areas. Beautiful in containers. Swaying foliage and flower panicles in wind are attractive.

Hamelin White Plume Fountain Grass

Common name:Hamelin White Plume Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hamelin'

This beautiful dwarf grass reaches 2'-3' tall and 1'-2' wide. Bright green foliage is grass-like. Creamy white fluffy plume flowers appear in thin arching stalks in summer and fall. Foliage turns gold in fall. This grass prefers full sun and low to moderate watering.

Designer: Mark Lewis

Color and Texture
Image: 10 of 18

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.