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
It is warming up – time to grow the Three Sisters. They are an integral part of the summer vegetable garden. A number of tribes were gardening here long before Europeans showed up, and grew what they call the Three Sisters. Last week I posted my Top Ten Tips for Vegetable Gardening Success. I suggest you give that a quick read if you get a chance. The Three Sisters The … 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
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
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
Bulbs produce some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden palate. They can provide brilliant splashes of cheerful color in the winter and spring months. In the Southwest bulbs can be grown in the landscape, in containers on the patio, or indoors. Bulbs Time their Growth Many desert plants appear in a very specific season – like just after a rain in the coldest soils, or in late spring … Read more
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
Unlike some fruit trees who are drama queens, citrus is more of a “leave-me-alone-to-get-the-job-done” kind of fruit tree.If you just let it hang out and grow – and just give it a tad bit of help – everybody will win. Citrus Care IS As Simple as 1-2-3 There are only three things you need to do as a citrus owner, and one of them is a don’t! Number One Don’t … Read more
