Common name:Howard McMinn Manzanita
Botanical name:Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn
This shrub is highly appreciated for its decorative characteristics, which include a dense show of small, pale pink urn-shaped flowers. Above all, it is the mahogany-red to brown bark (which peels beautifully) that is the major attraction. Its fruit resembles the tike apple, and the flowers contrast perfectly to the light green leaf (which can get rather tough). It blooms from late winter to spring.
Common name:California Fuchsia, Zauschneria
Botanical name:Epilobium canum
The California fuchsia is a perennial with dense, narrow, green gray foliage and red orange summer flowers. The growth habit of this plant is sprawling and low. The California fuchsia is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds.
Common name:Garnet Hybrid Beard Tongue
Botanical name:Penstemon 'Garnet'
This Penstemon is a showy perennial that remains 2'-4' high. It has garnet red, tubular blossoms on long flower spikes from spring through the fall and is hardy to 15 degrees F. It is also drought tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Designer: Billy Goodnick and Owen Dell
Photographer: Billy Goodnick and Owen Dell
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.