Common name:Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides

This clumping evergreen Iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks up to 3' tall. This variety has stiffer, darker foliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Freeway Daisy, Trailing African Dai
Botanical name:Osteospermum fruticosum

This groundcover will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium-sized, green leaves with purple or blue flowers that can bloom all year.

Common name:Coral Gum
Botanical name:Eucalyptus torquata

This variety of Eucalyptus is smaller than other species, growing to 20' tall. Leaves can vary a great deal. Lantern shaped buds precede the coral red or yellow flowers. Flowers appear winter through spring and make good cut flowers. Branches, which are cinnamon-colored, make wonderful arrangements. If planted in groves, the effect is stunning, especially with new branch growth which starts green and turns blue green. This variety is sun, drought and shade tolerant.

Common name:White Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus ladanifer 'Blanche'

The fragrant leaves of this species are 4" in length, are dark green above and lighter green beneath, and are sticky. Its white flowers are 3" wide, with yellow centers. It is rather tough and is resistant of minor neglect. -Native Sons Nursery

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

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