Modern Landscaping Plants

Ocotillo

• The ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is not a cactus, even though it may resemble one. Commonly referred to as "vine cactus," ocotillos are flowering desert plants that grow tall vertical branches that appear "spiny" like most cacti. Distinctly southwestern in its appearance, the ocotillo is mostly employed in landscape designs in the arid southwestern regions where it is native. This perennial plant has been used by some landscape designers to form a natural fence.

Ornamental Grasses

• Ornamental grasses have reliably been a part of modern landscaping trends and are a motif in landscape design portfolios throughout the country. There are several types of ornamental grasses, each of which vary by color, texture and the type of shape they grow into. Relatively easy to maintain, ornamental grasses require little watering and fertilizing after the plant is grown into its established shape. These breezy plants can flourish in many climate zones and in both warm and cool seasons.

Bamboo

• Easily recognized for its cylindrical stem and foliage, bamboo is an extension of Asian-inspired trends seen recently in landscape design and architecture. Much like the ocotillo, the fast-growing bamboo plant has been used in modern landscape design to function as a natural wall. It has also been used to complement shrubs that have been trimmed to mimic the shape of Japanese bonsai trees, as well as accents to waterfalls, ponds and pathways to recreate the environment of a traditional Japanese Zen garden.

Moss

• Because moss grows in the dark, damp areas where grass will not, "Southern Living" has included moss in its list of top fall plants for southern gardeners. Unlike grass, moss will maintain its same green luster year round and without the mowing, watering and other maintenance that grass normally requires.