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Shrubs

Native Plants for Erosion Control on Steep Banks

Question from Alin: I’m looking for native plants species for erosion ; many of the plants you mentioned are from Australian/S. Africa. Answer from Pat: You are correct. I have indeed recommended many plants as bank covers that are native to Australia, South America, the Mediterranean Basin, and South Africa. Many are colorful and easy […]

Coreopsis maritima – Sea dahlia

Question from Melanie: I have several plants of coreopsis maritima which bloomed brilliantly last spring. Now, in summer, they are dormant and dead looking. Should I prune them back or leave them as is? Thanks for your help. Answer from Pat: Sea Dahlia (Coreopsis maritima) is a flowering shrub native to the San Diego County […]

Pruning Victorian box

Question from Ruth: I have a garden question. Father Clark, who is a dear friend of mine, has very old–maybe 20-year-old pittosporum. It hasn’t been pruned much. When would be a good time to cut it back hard. He has green growth on top of a lot of old wood. Thanks so much. It is […]

Colorful Taller Shrubs And Trees For Banks

In many California housing developments, roads are created on hillsides and pads bulldozed off for houses. Then the problem becomes how to cover steep banks with plants to hold the soil. In some case banks are steep and extensive. Ground covers often are not sufficient to hold the soil through heavy rains. What is needed […]

Colorful Mid-Height Shrubs And Trees For Banks

In many California housing developments, roads are created on hillsides and pads bulldozed off for houses. Then the problem becomes how to cover steep banks with plants to hold the soil. In some case banks are steep and extensive. Ground covers often are not sufficient to hold the soil through heavy rains. What is needed […]

Colorful Low Shrubs And Trees For Banks

In many California housing developments, roads are created on hillsides and pads bulldozed off for houses. Then the problem becomes how to cover steep banks with plants to hold the soil. In some case banks are steep and extensive. Ground covers often are not sufficient to hold the soil through heavy rains. What is needed […]

Colorful Very Low Shrubs And Trees For Banks

In many California housing developments, roads are created on hillsides and pads bulldozed off for houses. Then the problem becomes how to cover steep banks with plants to hold the soil. In some case banks are steep and extensive. Ground covers often are not sufficient to hold the soil through heavy rains. What is needed […]