It seems that every October is different than the previous one here in the Land of El Sol. Luckily there are some things in common – and thus I can help you plan your October 2022 gardening tasks ahead, so your garden will look great through the holidays ahead.* Watch for The 3 W’s – Winter ,Weeds, Wildflowers We had spotty rain across the Southwest in late September. Rain means … Read more
Fall is time to divide your plants – at least some of them. Yes, it is still fairly hot out there at mid-day, and not so much fun to work outside – but this is a task that will reward you next spring! Why Divide? Just like you separate quarreling sibling humans, you need to separate a clump of sibling perennial plants that are growing too close together. They may … Read more
Wildflowers in the Southwest spring. Who doesn’t want some?!Great news is that there are 5 simple steps to have them in your yard this spring. But first some background. Why Plant Wildflowers Now? Yes plant them Autumn! Spring wildflowers bloom in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts in response to the winter rains off the Pacific Ocean. Thus you have to get the wildflower seed into the soil now, because their … Read more
Every August in the garden is different from the year before – but there are some general good guidelines to follow. We look at them today. The Rains Have Started – Maybe The Southwest summer rains are fickle – and have always been so. One August day in my childhood we stood in the sunshine in our front yard and watched the rain pouring off the neighbors roof across the … Read more
Weeds or wildflowers? Yes, we have all heard the argument. I am not here to go into it. I am here today to share with you some tricks to dealing with what you might consider weeds in your desert garden. Weeds are the Ultimate Opportunists Weeds are opportunistic plants. They will pop up wherever and whenever conditions are the least bit favorable. Your yard is going to be more favorable … Read more
For a healthy, beautiful palm there are only three things you need to do. Three! Palm Care # 1 – “Leaf” it alone! Leave the Leaves Prune no palm leaves (fronds) EVER. Palms have been taking care of themselves for eons and they know which leaves they need. They will drop what they do not need. If you dislike the naturally shaggy appearance of palms, at least wait until the … Read more
