Common name:Tree Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe arborescens
This shrub is large, full of branches and produces deep orange blooms. The flowers produce a nectar that is attractive to many different birds; this plant is grown all over the world.
Common name:Italian Alder
Botanical name:Alnus cordata
Italian Alder has predominately vertical growth in the early years. It has an interesting display of tassle-like, male flower catkins in front of the leaves. It has a very short deciduous period. The female flowers develop into small woody cones that decorate branches in the winter. This tree can grow to 40' and is well adapted to all areas of the Southwest except for the high deserts.
Common name:Sweet Olive, Tea Olive
Botanical name:Osmanthus fragrans
The sweet olive is a moderate-growing, evergreen shrub to 10' high. It is broad, dense and compact, with oval leaves that are 4" in length and a glossy, medium green color. Small flowers with a strong apricot-like fragance are produced in the spring and summer.
Designer: SBVWDG | SBV Water Conservation Demo Garden2 |
Photographer: SBVWDG |
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.