Common name:Japanese Boxwood
Botanical name:Buxus microphylla japonica
Japanese Boxwood is often used as a hedge. It is compact, with small bright green leaves. It can reach 4-6' tall and wide or be kept smaller through pruninig. It can be sheared to shape. It does better in areas with milder winters. It prefers full sun and a moderate amount of water.
Common name:Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
The Japanese Maple is a small tree standing only 20-25' high and 20' wide. Its outstanding foliage is a somber red and contrasts nicely with the bark. The tree also has a striking scarlet fall color.
Common name:Columnar Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.
Common name:Chinese Pistache
Botanical name:Pistacia chinensis
The Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree with broad, spreading growth to 50' in height. Its leaves have 10-16 leaflets, and the fall coloring arrives in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Prune young trees to shape. This tree does not have edible nuts. Female trees have tiny red fruit, turning dark blue. It prefers full sun and deep, infrequent waterings. This is a great street or park tree.
Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis
This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!
Common name:Western Azalea
Botanical name:Rhododendron occidentale
The Western Azalea is a deciduous shrub that grows 6'-10' tall. It produces fragrant, showy, white to pink flower clusters in spring. This shrub prefers shade and is hardy to -5 degrees F. Western Azalea is native to CA, prefers well draining, moist soil. Bees and butterflies love Western Azalea.
Common name:Bowles Mauve Wallflower
Botanical name:Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve'
This shrubby evergreen perennial reaches a size of 3' tall and 6' wide with narrow, dark foliage and a dense habit. Its flowers always emerge as mauve purple, and are produced on 4' tall stalks. Blooms throughout warm months. It can bloom continuously in mild climates. It should receive sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering. It is hardy to frost.
Dry creek bed and catch basin gives water a chance to percolate into the soil before being passed out to the street.