Common name:Japanese Fatsia or Aralia
Botanical name:Fatsia japonica
This evergreen shrub has large, glossy, fan-like leaves that grow to 16" wide. It has a moderate growth rate to a size of 5'-8' that can be kept lower with occasional pruning. It has a very lush, tropical appearance, and grows well in partial shade.
Common name:Horsetail Reed
Botanical name:Equisetum hyemale
This reed-like plant bears dark green, jointed stems to 3'-4' tall. 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. As such, it can be extremely effective as an accent plant. While tolerant of wet conditions, the most successful plantings are those with average soil moisture. Tall grasses are highly combustible.
Designer:
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
