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Mulched Garden
Canary Island Pine
Crape Myrtle
Common Foxglove
Amethyst Mist Purple Coral Bells
Canary Island Pine

Common name:Canary Island Pine
Botanical name:Pinus canariensis

This graceful, slender-growing pine has a pyramidal form, reaching 50'-70' tall. Its needles are 12" long and drooping in bundles of 3. The foliage is a blue-green color, maturing to a dark green shade. Needles do drop periodically, creating litter. Flowers are insignificant. Cones appear in the spring.

Crape Myrtle

Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.

Common Foxglove

Common name:Common Foxglove
Botanical name:Digitalis purpurea

This biennial Foxglove will reach 3'-4' tall when blooming in the early summer. The large spire of huge, bell-shaped flowers ranges from purple to pink to cream with purple specks. Large, textured leaves form an attractive rosette until bloom time. This plant likes a moist, filtered-sun area similar to the Lobelias and Columbines. -Holland Wildflower Farm

Amethyst Mist Purple Coral Bells

Common name:Amethyst Mist Purple Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Amethyst Mist'

This perennial will grow under 1' tall and has medium-sized purplish leaves. Pink flower spikes bloom in spring and summer, making the plant 2' tall. It needs shade and low to moderate watering. It tolerates most kinds of soil.

Designer: Jody Palmer

Mulched Garden

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:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.