Category: Low-Water Plants

Bottle Brush Tree or ShrubPlant Profile

Bottle brush flower. [H.Guenther]

Bottle brush is a striking evergreen shrub or tree. Once a commonly seen landscape plant, it has become less so and been replaced by more popular flowering trees such as crape myrtle and western redbud. Description of Plant This plant flowers heavily in spring, and continues to flower during warm weather. The flowers are spiky, […]

Finish reading: Bottle Brush Tree or ShrubPlant Profile

Aloe Vera: Amazing Plant!Plant Profile

aloe-Anne-of-Green-Gardens

I had my first aloe experience many years ago when I spent the night at a friend’s house. The next morning, I hunched over the bathroom sink while brushing my teeth and my elbow inadvertently landed on her hot curling iron. Yeoch! Her mother heard my yelp, assessed the situation and motioned me to follow her. We […]

Finish reading: Aloe Vera: Amazing Plant!Plant Profile

Pacific Coast IrisPlant Profiles

pacific-coast iris grissos fancy Anne-of-Green-Gardens

If you need a plant with show-stopping color for shade, Pacific Coast iris, also called Douglas iris, is your plant! It resembles bearded irises in leaf and flower appearance but is more diminutive. Bearded iris flowers tend to stand tall above their leaves, while Pacific Coast iris flowers are shorter. Pacific Coast iris grow from […]

Finish reading: Pacific Coast IrisPlant Profiles

Buckwheat (Eriogonum)Plant Profiles

Eriogonum is a versatile plant that works really well in drought tolerant gardens. It’s a California native plant with lots of personality. Eriogonums, also known as buckwheat* feature plants of various heights and spreads that work well in most landscapes. The flowers are splashy and prolific and last for a long time. Description of Plant […]

Finish reading: Buckwheat (Eriogonum)Plant Profiles

Spanish Lavender

As I drive by yards this beautiful spring, I’m amazed by the bright purple colors of spanish lavender. My mother often commented she preferred this lavender over all the others. As a teenager I remember thinking it was “stinky”and that my mom was weird for liking it. I was also unimpressed by its short bloom […]

Finish reading: Spanish Lavender

Flowering Shrubs: Flowering Quince

flowering-quince-Anne-of-Green-Gardens

Flowering quince (Chaenomeles species) is a gem for any garden. It’s one of the first shrubs to bloom each year and can really add a splash of needed color to your garden. Flower color can be white, pink, orange or red and some varieties have double blooms. Flowering quince is a compact and tough shrub. […]

Finish reading: Flowering Shrubs: Flowering Quince

Water, Water Everywhere…

Water is one of the most amazing substances on earth!  It can be solid, liquid or gas. It takes the form of ice, rain, dew, snow and fog.  Every living thing  on earth is composed of water, which might be why it’s often taken for granted. Water is shared among four major players in the […]

Finish reading: Water, Water Everywhere…