Common name:Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

This Japanese Maple grows as a small, deciduous tree complete with palmate leaves that turn red and endure for the entire season.

Common name:Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Botanical name:Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Another large, slow-growing conifer which exhibits weeping growth form. Its golden leaves are 1" in size, and it also requires full sun in order to best develop its color. It serves as an excellent specimen or rock garden subject.

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:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3 to 6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.

Gravel mulch keeps weeds down allows water in.

The Magic of Mulch

In the natural world the endless cycle of birth, growth, decay, death and rebirth flows throughout the seasons. Plants die, leaves fall and new growth springs up in its place. Nothing is lost and the fallen leaves and dead plants decay into the soil, enriching it for the next generation of growth.

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