Common name:Toyon, Christmas Berry
Botanical name:Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon is a California native evergreen shrub that grows 8'-15'. high and spreading 2'-3'. It has leathery, toothed leaves, white summer flowers and clusters of red winter berries. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, heat, smog, wind and heavy or light soils. It is drought tolerant, attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. - Cornflower Farms
Common name:California Glory Flannel Bush
Botanical name:Fremontodendron 'California Glory'
'California Glory' is an open and spreading evergreen shrub 10'-20' in height with many yellow flowers blooming in spring. It needs good drainage and little summer water. It is a native plant to California as the name suggests and it is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica
This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Foothill Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon heterophyllus
This perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has glossy, blue-green foliage with violet colored, tubular flowers that bloom from spring through summer. Flowers are spectacular. This plant prefers full sun, well draining soil is drought tolerant once it's established. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming. Do not overwater or fertilize often, as it is hardy. This plant does well in coastal, desert and mountain areas.
Designer: Armstrong and Walker LA
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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.