*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way.* This is what my mother’s vegetable garden looks like in the middle of winter. She works hard at growing a variety of […]
Photo: Anna’s Hummingbird sitting in front of my kitchen window. Hummingbirds are arguably the most popular birds in our gardens. It’s not unusual to find hummingbird feeders hanging, enticing these flying jewels to come and drink of the sweet sugar water. Of course, there are a large number of plants that promise to lure hummingbirds […]
September Gardening Tasks After a seemingly endless summer, we have finally made it to the finish line. This is the season where we experience a ‘second spring’ and venture out into the garden again. Soil is ready to be amended, citrus fertilized, and some light pruning can be done. September Gardening Tasks, Un-pruned lantana on […]
Native Trees for the Southwest, Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) Trees are a treasure to us that live in the Southwest where the sun can be relentless with its intensity. We all know the delight of stepping into the cool shade of a tree during a hot summer’s day where their canopy provides blessed relief. Honey […]
The last blooms of red bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) in bloom underneath the filtered shade of a desert willow (Chilopsis linearis). Mexican bird-of-paradise (Caesalpinia mexicana) grows in front of the window. There is nothing better than enjoying a lovely view of your garden, (while sitting with your feet up), after being out of town for several […]
Have you ever met someone whom you felt an instant bond with? If so, you know that it isn’t an everyday occurrence. Last year, I attended the Garden Writer’s Association Conference for the first time. I went to the conference not knowing anyone else there, but was excited for the classes, garden visits, and hopes […]
The rain actually fertilizes your plants. Do you like rainy days? Chances are, if you live in the desert Southwest, you rejoice when the clouds roll in, and the rain begins to fall. After the rain stops, have you ever noticed that plants look fresher and have a brighter shade of green? If so, it’s […]
Vine for Southwestern Garden, Tangerine Crossvine Vines are a wonderful way to decorate vertical surfaces with lovely shades of green as well as colorful flowers. Queen’s Wreath This is especially valuable in southwestern gardens where vines can help moderate the heat that re-radiates from a wall or is used to create filtered shade when they are grown […]
Historic Landscape Styles Earlier this week, I was finishing up an appointment in downtown Phoenix and since I had some spare time available, I decided to drive through one of my favorite historic neighborhoods – the Encanto-Palmcroft district. Historic Landscape Styles I always enjoy driving down streets looking at homes built long ago and seeing […]
Native Ground Cover, Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) Most of us are familiar with the idea of using ground covers in the landscape and how they can add a welcome carpet of color. Goodding’s Verbena (Glandularia gooddingii) But, you may be surprised to find that they serve another purpose that is especially appreciated in hot climates. […]
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