Fragrance is one of our five most basic senses – but sadly it is often overlooked when creating a landscape or garden.” Who am I quoting? Myself! I said that before in an earlier article on this topic. I have said it in presentations about the topic. No doubt I […]
Basil is easy to grow for some folks – yet hard for others. The root of the problem is that much gardening knowledge is centered on 1- the past and 2 – growing in the eastern part of the USA, or in central Europe. We have all seen in recent […]
Aloysia are attractive to me because they are edible (appetizing!). They are attractive to pollinators as well. But best of all – they are not attractive to javelina and rabbits! This is part of my continuing series of articles that could be titled “Plant Your Yard for Pollinators and People,” […]
Lemongrass is a lovely genus of grasses that can be easily grown in much of the Southwest – and into the Southeast as well. It will live outdoors year round in areas that don’t get much below 26F in winter (USDA Zones 8 to 12). Lemongrass Genus Lemongrass, also written […]
Oregano is a wonderful herb, that is easy to grow in the dry air of the Southwest. The herb itself has many uses: culinary, medicinal, ornamental, in dying, and a just a flat out aesthetic plant in the garden. Oregano is One of My “Herculean Herbs” From the arid mountains […]
Camellia for December you wonder? Many search engines proclaim that narcissus and holly are the December birth month flower. Only problem with this selection is that neither naturally bloom in this month – while camellia does bloom in December! There is a movement afoot to replace holly, a prickly tree […]
Annuals are Awesome! (IMHO) Cool season is near and we will wish to sit outside and enjoy our gardens more. Here is a list of cool season annual flowers for your enjoyment. ((how to grow all these will be discussed in the next post)) Annuals Versus Wildflowers These annuals are […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
