I encouraged you to plant evergreen oaks recently. Now here is some information about which oaks to plant. There are many native oaks to choose from, but let’s start with these eight that you can actually purchase from your local nursery. Be very wary of oaks form big box stores. They are often not from our region and will not survive our lower humidity. I suppose that if you do […]
Tag: shade
Oak Trees for Your Yard
Have you considered an oak tree for your yard? If you can answer yes to any of these questions – an oak tree may be right for you. Looking for a tall, stately tree for your yard? Have a tiny yard – but want a nice tree? A tree that provides good dense shade? One that won’t lose its leaves in winter? Less messy than a mesquite? Low […]
How to Pick The Perfect Tree – Part II
Want the perfect tree for your yard? There is simply no way give everyone one single answer to this question. Part of the issue is that you are going to purchase a living being. Like any living being, your tree is going to need the right place to live. When it comes to where a specific tree will thrive – there are some very specific needs. Many Factors […]
How to Pick The Perfect Tree – Part I
May 16 is National Hug a Tree Day! So in honor of this very special day, I am starting this series of articles on how to pick the perfect tree. Perfect Tree for … ? … Factor This: If you want to watch a nursery person cringe, ask them: “What tree should I plant in my yard?” There is simply no way to correctly answer this question without a […]
Fragrant Plants for Your Desert Garden
Scent is one of our most basic senses, yet fragrant plants are often neglected when planning a landscape. The Nose Knows! I cherish my desert garden for all the wonderfully scented plants in it. Often I run my fingers along branches or leaves to release heady fragrance. Also, I grew up here and love the smell of the desert after the rain. Most scents defy words. I certainly do try […]
Grow a Living Christmas Pine – In the Desert
Pine trees once covered the Southwest, and they can still grow well here. Pines can be excellent low-water landscape trees – if you select the correct species. Why Grow A Pine? When you plant a tree that grows really big – like a pine tree – you are creating a future home for really big birds – like hawks and owls. You are also creating future shade for your home […]
Desert Trees for Fast Shade – and Pollinators
“Fall is such a great time to plant new trees, and there are so many wonderful native and near-native choices to add pollinator and wildlife benefits to your yard!” She got me with that wonderful opening sentence so I asked her if I could use some more of her words. Yes! So today we have a guest post from longtime friend and plants woman extraordinaire, Carianne Sienna Funicelli, or should […]