Fruitless Olive- originating from the Tuscan countryside, olive trees make for nice shade trees no matter the landscape style. These silvery-green evergreens can be planted by the pool without a concern of leaves dropping. Highly recommended for residents of Livermore, as the backdrop of Wine Country complements this Mediterranean landscape choice.
Crape Myrtle- looking for bright displays of color throughout the year? Lagerstroemia indica, more commonly known as the Crape Myrtle, blooms clusters of flowers ranging from red, to white, to pink or purple, depending on the variety. Besides coloring your yard with their flowers, they are low-maintenance and cold-hardy trees that don’t require a lot of water.
Golden Bamboo- When the name ‘bamboo’ comes to mind, you probably think of rainforests. However, there are several varieties, including Golden Bamboo, that are surprisingly drought-tolerant. This plant functions as a privacy hedge from your neighbors, blocking out wind, noise, and nosy eyes. Complete your backyard (desert) oasis with this exotic addition!
Mediterranean Fan Palm- You can’t go wrong with adorning your front or backyard with a palm tree, and Chamerops humilis is a favorite among homeowners and landscapers. Fan palms make for a clustered, tropical decoration near a water feature or as a privacy hedge. This variety of palm requires little maintenance or cleanup, so you can spend less time watering and working and more time enjoying your backyard hideaway.
Lantana- While we don’t want our yard to be mostly dirt, we also don’t want our lot to be covered with thirsty plants. Lantana is one of the best groundcover options in the shrub family. Not only does it fill your yard with iridescent flora, it loves the sun and is known for its drought-resistant qualities.
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