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Peppermint Tree, Willow Myrtle
Giant Wild Rye
California Pepper, Mission Pepper
Heavy Metal Switch Grass
Peppermint Tree, Willow Myrtle

Common name:Peppermint Tree, Willow Myrtle
Botanical name:Agonis flexuosa

This tree is known as the peppermint tree because of the scent of the leaves when they are crushed. It is an evergreen tree or large shrub. It has abundant, small white flowers in spring. It is a medium to fast grower to 25' or 35'.

Giant Wild Rye

Common name:Giant Wild Rye
Botanical name:Leymus condensatus

This prominent, tall native grass does not make its way into traditional residential landscapes but can be used very effectively in a native or natural garden. It reaches heights of 6'-8' when blooming and will clump to 4'-5' wide. It requires supplemental water to remain green in the summer. Too much water will cause the grass to decline significantly. It can be pruned annually to promote new, more attractive growth. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

California Pepper, Mission Pepper

Common name:California Pepper, Mission Pepper
Botanical name:Schinus molle

The California Pepper is a fast growing evergreen tree that will mature to a height of 25'-40' and as wide. Its bright green leaves are divided into many narrow, 1.5"-2" long leaflets. This plant can be invasive in some areas, but is a great water conservation tree that has naturalized in California for over 200 years.

Heavy Metal Switch Grass

Common name:Heavy Metal Switch Grass
Botanical name:Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

This perennial grass will grow 2'-4' tall and 2'-4' wide. It has narrow, blue gray leaves with slender, light flowers that bloom in midsummer. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Using Water Wisely

An efficient watering system applies the right amount of water to the right parts of the garden at the right time. This conserves water and saves you money.

Click in the green box for more information

Designer: Jeffrey Smith

Concrete Planter

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

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