Common name:Dwarf Myrtle
Botanical name:Myrtus communis 'Compacta'
This evergreen shrub grows to 6' x 5'. Leaves are glossy, dark green and aromatic. It blooms with white sweet-scented flowers followed by bluish-black berries. It can be grown in sun or partial shade. Well drained soil is essential. Myrtus communis 'Compacta' has smaller leaves than Myrtus communis and is often used for edges and low formal hedges.
Common name:Marginata Agave
Botanical name:Agave angustifolia var. marginata
This succulent will form clumps about 4' across. It has light green and cream variegated leaves. The stiff leaves are about 1 1/2" wide with cream white stripes along the margins. In the low desert, filtered shade is best. It can also handle more water than most agaves. This tropical agave is native ot Costa Rica and Mexico.
Designer:
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Group plants according to their water needs.
Creating separate zones for drought-tolerant plants, medium water-use plants, and water-thirsty grass will help prevent overwatering.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
