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
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
June is normally tough on plants and wildlife, but all bets are off this year. Normally I would remind you that all plants, even succulents, are stressed by this normally dry month, but weather has been erratic with below average temperatures and early rains in parts of the Southwest. Irrigation Did you get a sprinkle of rain? Might not be enough. Make sure you water landscape trees and shrubs so … Read more
First week of May. Time to get your garden and landscape ready for the summer ahead. Most tasks in May revolve around making sure the water system is working, and fertilizer to encourage just a little healthy growth – but not too much. Irrigation System Tune Up Time Irrigation systems require checking and tune-up on a regular basis. Some tasks should be done once per month, some should be done … Read more
This weekend April will begin, so here are some garden tasks you can think about getting out and doing. Check your last frost date before some of these April tasks. Prune Check your last frost date – and if it is past then go ahead and prune frost damage off bougainvillea, lantana, autumn sage, and other summer flowering frost tender perennials. Avoid pruning spring-flowering shrubs until bloom period is through. … Read more
March can be a busy month in the garden. Here are some of the things to get done this month. Weather Repeats Itself Just like hsitory. You my hear people complain about this “odd” winter we are having in the Southwest – but they haven’t been here long enough. Cold, windy, dry at first, and then late rains. This all happens every 50 years or so. Last time was 1968, … Read more
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
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
There are a number of reasons to resolve to keep a garden journal – and we look at some great reasons this week as the New Year approaches. cover image is mourning dove by J. J. Audubon. Journal Your Journey Want to become better at caring for your yard or garden? Keep a garden journal. Want a fun project to do with your kids? Keep a garden journal. Want to … Read more
