Cover image – Viola, also called heartease – for February, National Heart Month. There is not very much maintenance or tasks the must be done in the Southwest garden in February, just enjoy the season and any flowers you have. Tidy up some things – especially in Low or Middle Desert. Upper Elevations – you get to chill (pardon the pun). Speaking of Flowers I will be speaking of flowers! … Read more
When planning your vegetable garden and other gardening tasks – you need to look at “Last Frost” date for your area. And as Autumn comes along you will need to start looking at “First Frost” data – but that is another article. Cover image is frost on a sage plant. Which Garden Tasks go by Last Frost Date? Last frost date tells you when you can safely put your tender … Read more
Celebrate National Hot Tea Month (January) – by harvesting some caffeine-free tea from your yard – or more simply – out of pots of plants growing on your patio. Don’t Like Herb Tea? I hear this every so often. “Tried it once and didn’t like it.” Yep. Well there are many kinds of herbal tea. For instance, if you don’t like “mint” tea – do you know if it is … Read more
Celebrate Houseplant Appreciation Day – January 10 Houseplants are “in” once more – which is super! But here in the Southwest, where humidity is low, if you want to be successful with houseplants, you need to select your houseplants with some consideration. Look at their Genes When caring for any plant, it helps to look at their “origin story.” Desert plants deal with certain stresses better than forest plants (and … Read more
January here in the Southwest is blessed in many ways. We have spectacular sunsets in winter, not to mention a most salubrious winter climate. Despite the occasional cold front that touches down, withering tender plants, winters are, on the whole, great for growing everything in our region. Here’s some ideas to get you growing. January Color Grow some winter color. There are a number of annual plants that prefer cooler … Read more
