Autumn is in the air and it’s a great time to plant some autumn sage – a low water perennial with lovely flowers that will grow in most of the Southwest. Autumn Sage The name says it! The autumn sage (Salvia greggii) blooms in autumn and even beyond – making it great for some low water seasonal color. Yes it is native. From the Chihuahuan Desert, meaning it can stand … Read more
Rain lilies are charming summer blooming bulbs that will flourish in much of the Southwest – into the USDA Zone 8 and some into zone 7. Rain Lilies are Zephyranthes I said “rain lilies” in the title because I didn’t want to daunt you with the scientific name, Zephyranthes. But if gardeners wrote alphabet books, Z would be for Zephyranthes! Rain Lily Common Names With close to 200 species and … Read more
Time to order your daffodils! Yes, there is record heat this summer in many parts of the Southwest but I want you to think about spring! Cool crisp spring. All year long I have been calling your attention to National and International celebrations, and why should this post be any different? August 20 is World Daffodil Day. And we are in a fine part of the world to join in … Read more
Spending an evening by a cheerful fire under the starry skies is one on the undeniable pleasures of summer. Yes we have had record breaking heat – but even a warm evening is more lovely with a dancing fire to sit around and enjoy the company of friends. Not to mention if you plan for it and install one now – you can enjoy your fire pit all through the … Read more
August looms. And weather is the “hot” topic right now. But really – weather and climate do change. Just a few thousand years ago what is now the desert Southwest was a cool plains area with giant woolly mammoths roaming. There were people roaming as well – and hunting those now extinct behemoths with spears. So yes, the world weather fluctuates and the climate changes over time even without humans … Read more
Hard to believe it – but it is mid-July now and soon it will be time to plant fruit trees. Back East, gardeners use the winter cold to dream and plan their planting just waiting for once it warms up. Here, in the heat of a Southwestern summer, we dream about what we will plant when it cools off. Indeed the cooler weather of fall is perfect for planting as … Read more
The Southwest is a place of great natural drama and beauty – rocks and boulders are not hidden beneath layers of forest mulch or yards of prairie soil. They are right out there in the land – delighting the eye with their natural beauty. Work With The Drama of the Southwest In the Southwest we can see our large, dramatic mountains springing virtually straight up out of the surrounding land. … Read more
July and summer’s heat is upon us. Luckily for us humans – there is not too much to actively do in the garden this month. Unless you want to. Then here are some things to consider. Irrigation Don’t let your plants become “drip sip” junkies. Instead of a little bit of water every day, water less often but for longer time, so the water sinks in two or even three … Read more
National Lavender Day is June 29. In honor of this widely celebrated holiday, I deemed it time to share some timely tips on growing lovely lavender. Which Species? Lavender that grows well in the Southwest includes a number of European species (and cultivars) of Lavendula, plus the Sonoran Desert native shrub, desert lavender (Condea emoryi). We will look at the most commonly sold species. For a quick look at this … Read more
Ants are beneficial for gardens. I agree, they are not so beneficial inside the home. But out in the garden they can be good – even if they are stripping the leaves off your Lady Banks’ rose. Most “Bugs” are Good The buzz is out about bees, and everyone loves to help them – especially in June – National Pollinator Month. Planting flowers for pollinators? Easy sell! But what about … Read more
