Plant of the Month: October 2011

Arbutus marina or Strawberry tree is a 25-40 ft. tree or four-season evergreen shrub, with cinnamon-colored bark and dark green and glossy leaves.  White or pink bell-shaped flowers appear October to December.  The edible fruit is a rough surfaced orange-red 3/4" berry.

Arbutus marina tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions. Requires part or full sun and is drought tolerant once established.  Can be trained as a single trunked tree, multi-trunked specimen, or grown as a screen or tall hedge.

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: August 2011

Aeonium arboreum is a succulent in the family Crassulaceae with branched stems to 3 ft. tall and 6-8" rosettes of light green leaves. Yellow flowers are in long clusters.  This variety, atropurpureum,  is all the more striking with deep purple rosettes and is used both planted and in pots for contrast to lighter leaved plants.  Plant in full sun near the ocean and part shade inland.

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: July 2011

Aloe bainesii or Aloe barberae is sometimes referred to as the "Dr. Suess tree".  The largest of the African aloes, A. bainesii can reach a height of 20-60 ft. and a width of 10-20 feet.  A great tree for a succulent garden or large containers.  Heavy forking trunk and branches with 2-3' rosettes. Late winter blooming with rose pink flowers in tubular clusters on stalks.Full sun, drought tolerant.

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: June 2011

Bulbine frutescens, also known as Bulbinella is a native to South Africa; a flowering perennial with low water requirements. Succulent foliage with star-shaped yellow flowers in the summer, this plant is great for low maintenance borders and is tolerant of poor dry soil. 1-1/2 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide. To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Drought Tolerant Garden

A recently completed project for a drought tolerant garden including water features. To view more photos of this project, please visit our commercial installation gallery at stevensmithlandscape.com

Residential Estate, Rancho Bernardo

A recently completed backyard landscape for a residential estate in Rancho Bernardo.
For more photos, please visit our residential installation gallery at stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: May 2011

Cistus or Rockrose is an evergreen shrub with showy spring flowers, drought resistant and tolerant of poor dry soil.  Recommended for fire hazard area plantings.  Sun-loving and fast growing. This is C. purpureus, the Orchid Rockrose, approx. 4 ft. tall and wide, with 3" wide reddish purple flowers.

To see more suggestions for water wise and drought tolerant landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com