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
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
Yucca? Agave? What’s the difference? Many folks find it hard to tell one big round rosette of sword-like spiny leaves from another big round spiny plant with sword-like leaves. Kissing Kin Yep – it can be hard. They are all related after all. Like palms, yucca and agaves are kin to grasses. They lack true wood. The main thing to know as an owner of … Read more
Spring is a wonderful time of year if you love cactus flowers. Virtually every Southwestern species of cactus is producing flowers now as the days lengthen and ample sunshine heats the air and the soil. The Summer Rains are Coming In much of this region, cacti bloom and produce seed just in time for the summer monsoon rain showers. Showers that will water and nurture the tiny seedling babies. … Read more
Want the native butterflies and other pollinators to visit your yard? Think Z for native Zinnia! Native Plants for Native Pollinators People are concerned about the recent decline in native pollinators. This has highlighted the need to grow more native plants in our yards. Great idea! But most gardeners want colorful plants in their yards. Never fear – native zinnia are here! Landscape with Native Zinnias First … Read more
Spring flowers are beginning to bloom and hummingbirds are zipping around, collecting nectar and a few insects while they are at it. Entice the Hummingbirds Hummingbirds need more than just sugar-water feeders. Like most animal life, they need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This means that they do need some flower nectar. More than Just Food Every living thing on earth needs food, water, and a place … 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
Cyclamen abound in stores during the holiday season. I love them. They are festive, but in a more refined and delicate way than the boisterous poinsettias. Cyclamen are Captivating I am captivated by cyclamen. Their brightly colored flowers dance over the heart shaped leaves like little fairies, or maybe angels. The petals wing back from the hidden center of the flower, and come in many beautiful colors, and sweetest of … Read more
