Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificent plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.

Common name:Santa Barbara Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion'

Herbacious perennial to 1' tall and 3' wide. White daisy-like flowers bloom mainly spring and fall in the low desert, summer time for higher elevations. Plants are fairly short-lived, but will reseed to keep population intact. Light shade is preferred in low desert. This cultivar blooms heavily. Bright green, fine textured foliage. Needs moderate irrigation. Prune back in winter to rejuvenate. Can reseed with adequate water.

Solving Runoff Problems

Importance of Watershed

A watershed is a land area that drains rain and other water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, or groundwater aquifer. Water from your neighborhood also enters the watershed through the storm drain system and flows directly to local creeks without any treatment. It often is contaminated by pollutants that can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

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