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Tour: Parade of Perennials

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Country Garden
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Foothill Penstemon
Apple, edible
Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Common name:Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass
Botanical name:Calamagrostis X acutiflora 'Karl Foerste

This ornamental perennial grass grows 4-6' tall x 1-1.5' wide and has semi-evergreen foliage that is green in spring and summer and turns green/brown in fall. The flowers bloom in mid June and emerge a light green but quickly turn to pink/purple.

Foothill Penstemon

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.

Apple, edible

Common name:Apple, edible
Botanical name:Malus pumila

The common edible apple is a good family edible ornamental tree. Rootstock makes the tree available in: dwarf,semi-dwarf and standard sizes. Select a suitable cultivar for your growing zone. Mild climate, low-chill cv.s are available.

Designer: Homeowner

Country Garden
Image: 17 of 18

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

Water-Saving Tip:

In shrub areas, convert from spray sprinklers to bubbler or drip systems that apply water directly to roots.

Occasionally check the soil's moisture level around shrubs before and after watering to determine if watering times are appropriate.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.