Four Days of Garden Gifts: Day 3 – Books for Southwest Gardening

Arizona garden, Book Review, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Gift Ideas, herb gardening, Las Vegas gardening, Nevada garden, New Mexico garden, Product Review, Southwest garden, Southwest Texas garden, Succulent Gardening

Discover the Perfect Garden Gifts: Day 3 – Books for Southwest Gardeners

It’s Day 3 of our garden gift ideas and today it’s all about books.

Unveiling the Arid Beauty of Southwest Gardening

Gardening in the Southwest can be challenging because many of the traditional gardening rules. Some plants just don’t work here. Traditional garden literature often ignores the unique opportunities and challenges that our arid climate presents. A good book that focuses on our distinct region can become an invaluable tool. As a garden writer, I know many garden authors and have been asked to review many books, and I include my top eight with you.

As a garden writer, I’ve been asked to review some garden books and know several of the authors personally and can attest to their expertise in gardening in the Southwest.

*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).

1. Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Our dry climate is an ideal region for growing fruits and vegetables. We have fewer insect pests and diseases than, in contrast, more temperate areas. From apples, peaches, to citrus – many types of fruit can be grown here. Vegetable gardening is a favorite pastime of mine. Due to our relatively mild winters, we can grow them throughout the entire year. Tucson native, Jacqueline Soule, teaches you how to create your own edible, southwestern garden. Click here to order.

2. Gardening In The Deserts of Arizona

Mary Irish is one of my favorite authors and worked for years at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Her books are what I like to refer to as the ‘bible’ of growing ornamental plants in the Southwest. From lists of plants that grow well in our climate to how to maintain them each month, this book is a must-have for new (and old) desert gardeners. She has written several books. This is a good one to start with as it breaks down how to care for your garden. I met her at a conference in California and found her utterly charming and down to earth. Click here to order.

3. Lawn Gone

Austin, Texas resident, Pam Penick, is well known for her blog, Digging. Pam makes frequent contributions to a variety of gardening magazines. Her approach is saving water in the garden by removing or minimizing lawn areas, with an emphasis on simple and creative design solutions. I am fortunate to call Pam my friend and have toured gardens with her in Arizona and California. I’ve owned this book for several years. It ranks as one of my favorites. Click here to order.

4. Potted

Annette Gutierrez asked me to review her book. She and Mary own a trendy garden shop in Los Angeles that focuses on outdoor accessories and design services. As its title suggests, this book focuses on instructing readers on how to create unique containers using everyday items. The results are eye-catching and add a welcome design element to garden spaces. This book is for those on your list who like to be on the cutting edge of gardening trends. Click here to order.

5. Growing Vegetables in Drought, Desert, and Dry Times

If you or someone on your gift list like to grow vegetables, this is an invaluable book. Specifically, it addresses the cultivation of an edible garden in an arid climate. This emphasizes the importance of mastering the skill of maximizing your harvest while efficiently managing water.

The author draws upon her experience of living and gardening in the desert regions of California. Grouping this book along with packets of vegetable seeds and a raised bed kit, would be a much-appreciated gift for a beginning vegetable gardener. Click here to order.

6. Homegrown Herb Garden

Herbs are very easy to grow and flourish in arid climates. I grow them in pots, a vegetable garden, and indoors. Moreover, one of the authors, Ann McCormick, also known as the ‘Herb n’ Cowgirl,’ has a blog by the same name. This book provides helpful growing tips along with how to use them to flavor your favorite dishes making it a great choice for the gardener and cook on your list. Click here to order yours.

7. Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest

Many gardening books contain smaller lists of plants. This Mary Irish book has comprehensive lists of shrubs and trees that flourish in the Southwest. It delves beyond the often repeated plant palette of bougainvillea, oleander, and Texas sage. The book delves into the impressive variety of plants that can grow here. This book is a thoughtful choice for those who want to learn more about the plants that can grow in our arid climate. Click here to order.

8. The Water-Saving Garden

This book holds a special place for me because of Pam Penick. She made a journey to visit me in Arizona to research her book. We spent an entire day together visiting gardens throughout the greater Phoenix area (including mine), covering over one-hundred-fifty miles. Many of the photos that she took that day are in the book. As its title suggests, the book focuses on how to create lovely gardens that don’t need a lot of water. Click here to order.

All of these books will serve to inspire and teach the gardener on your list,. These books teach how to create a beautiful garden that will thrive in the arid Southwest climate.

More ideas needed? Here you go –

Want more ideas? Check out Day 1 and Day 2 of my garden gift ideas.

Tomorrow, I’ll share my picks for garden gifts for kids.

Tweaking the Landscape, An Old Bike, and Face Cream

Arizona garden, az plant lady family, Cactus/Succulents, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting, Southwest garden

November is a very busy time in the low-desert garden. Cooler temperatures make this best time of year to add plants and as a result, my phone begins to ring off the hook. Many of my clients have established landscapes that they are looking to do some tweaking to the landscape.

This usually consists of identifying what existing plants still add beauty to the landscape, or background structure, from a design standpoint, and then removing those that don’t. New plants are then added that will compliment the older ones.

One easy tip for creating a newer look to the desert landscape is to clean out river rock washes. While it is labor intensive, the process is quite simple. All you need to do is remove all the rocks, wash them off with water from the hose and put them back.

I must admit that I love working outdoors this time of year when the weather is simply lovely.

Here is a colorful surprise that I discovered while visiting a client last month. ‘Loretta’ is an eye-catching piece of garden art and I love her pink arms. She was purchased in San Francisco and is made up of parts from an old bike.

On another note, my grandson, Eric, decided to put on some ‘face cream’. The only problem? It was diaper cream! I think that all of us probably have a story like this one…

I hope that you are enjoying the fall season – I know that I am.

A Desert Garden’s Winter Beauty on Display

Sprays of Pink

Arizona garden, California desert garden, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Southwest garden

The Beauty of Queen Wreath Vine: A Love Affair with Pink

Queen wreath vine (Antigonon leptopus)

Like many women, I have not outgrown my teenage love affair with the color pink. However, instead of painting the walls of my room a vibrant shade of pink or wearing a fluorescent t-shirt, I now content myself with using it in the garden.

Queen Wreath Vine: A Delicate Climber

The Queen wreath vine (Antigonon leptopus), also known by its botanical name Antigonon leptopus, is a charming addition to any garden. Sometimes named Coral Vine or Mexican Creeper, this delicate climber graces my garden with its vibrant pink blossoms, creating a stunning display against the backdrop of my cascalote tree. The allure of pink is something I’ve held onto since my teenage years, and this beautiful vine allows me to incorporate that love into my outdoor space.

Heart-Shaped Buds and Lush Green Leaves

What sets this vine apart are its unique heart-shaped buds that eventually unfurl into beautiful pink blossoms. Paired with its lush green leaves, the vine adds a touch of romance and elegance to my garden. Its ability to climb and twine around my tree’s trunk creates a visual spectacle that I eagerly await each spring.

A Seasonal Wonder

While this special vine brings joy to my garden, it’s important to note that it is not a year-round presence. In the winter, it dies back to the ground, leaving behind only memories of its vibrant display. However, the anticipation of its return in the spring is part of what makes this vine so special. As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, the vine begins its ascent up the trunk of my tree, signaling the start of another season of enchanting pink blossoms.

How to Grow Queen wreath vine (Antigonon leptopus)

Here’s a list of steps on how to grow this beautiful vine:

Choose the Right Location: Select a suitable location for planting your Queen wreath vine. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, so make sure it receives adequate sunlight.
Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If the soil is heavy or clayey, consider amending it with compost to improve drainage.
Planting: Plant your Queen wreath vine either by sowing seeds or by transplanting a young plant. Spring is the best time to plant this vine.
Spacing: Space the plants about 10 to 12 feet apart or provide sturdy support structures for the vine to climb.
Support Structures: Queen wreath vine is a climbing plant, so it requires a trellis, arbor, or similar structure for support. Install the support system before planting or soon after to avoid disturbing the plant.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate some drought.
Fertilization: Fertilize your Queen wreath vine with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer package.
Pruning: Regularly prune the vine to maintain its shape and control its growth. Pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Winter Care: In colder regions, Queen wreath vine may die back to the ground during winter. Provide a layer of mulch to protect the roots and encourage regrowth in the spring.
Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids and scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate methods or insecticidal soap. This vine is generally resistant to most diseases.
Propagation: If you want to propagate more Queen wreath vines, you can do so by taking softwood cuttings in the spring or by collecting seeds.
Enjoy the Blooms: Once established, your Queen wreath vine will reward you with beautiful pink blossoms during the growing season. These heart-shaped blooms will create a stunning visual display in your garden.

Remember that Queen wreath vine can be invasive in some regions, so be cautious and monitor its growth, especially if you’re in an area where it is not native. Enjoy the vibrant beauty and charm this lovely vine brings to your garden.

Have You Met Antigonon leptopus?

Have you ever grown an Antigonon leptopus, also known as Queen wreath vine? For those who haven’t had the pleasure, this pink beauty is a must-have addition to any garden. Its climbing nature and heart-shaped buds make it a captivating plant that adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to your outdoor space. If you’d like to learn more about this delightful vine, be sure to read my earlier post on the subject.

The vine is a testament to the enduring allure of pink in our lives, and I can’t imagine my garden without its vibrant, heart-shaped blossoms.

For more information, you can read my earlier post about this pink beauty.

November Days

Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, desert gardening, Fall Blooming Plants, Noelle Johnson Horticulturist Arizona, Southwest garden, Succulent Gardening

The Busy November: A Month of Plant Sales, Garden Talks, and Fall Tweaks

Embracing the Hectic Beauty of November

If I had to pick the busiest month of the year, it would be November.

Kids’ school activities, plant sales, and speaking engagements fill our lives. It is a lot of WORK helping people update their outdoor spaces. But, is also a time where my garden is reveling in the cooler temperatures of fall and I start to make some tweaks to it. I love the quote, “A garden is never finished”. That is certainly true of mine. Hence the little green flags indicating new plants that need irrigation run to them.

Plant Sales and Community Support

Earlier this month, I was a special guest expert at a local plant sales that raises money for community services. I enjoyed coming up with creative combinations for those who were shopping and answering their questions about the best exposure for the different plants offered for sale.

Inspiring Gardeners with Creative Container Gardening

A few days later, it was all about creative container gardening as I spoke to a group of interested gardeners at a local branch of the Phoenix Public Library. While I like to talk about gardening to groups, there is always a little fear before it begins when you stare at a sea of empty seats and pray that they will be at least half filled by the time it starts. I must say that I was thrilled when they had to bring in extra chairs for my talk. Yeah!

The Delight of Fall in the Garden

Fall is my favorite time of year in the garden when the summer bloomers are still producing colorful flowers and my cool-season plants are beginning to show off as well.

You know what else I like about November? It means that Christmas is just around corner! I wonder how early I can get away with putting up Christmas decorations?

November Blooms

Got Old, Overgrown Plants? Know When to Prune or Replace

Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, desert gardening, Landscape Problems, Pruning, Shrubs, Southwest garden, Succulent Gardening

Dealing with the Dilemma of an Overgrown Plant: To Prune or Replace?

Overgrown plant, old Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Green Cloud’)

The Challenge of Aging Plants in the Landscape

You have undoubtedly seen old, overgrown plants filled with mostly leafless branches that rarely flower anymore. Or, perhaps it is an aged succulent that has brown patches. The patches can slowly encroach onto the upper parts of the plant from the base. So, what is the solution for plants that no longer add decorative value to our landscape?

Old rosemary filled with unproductive woody growth

The Power of Severe Renewal Pruning

Dealing with overgrown plants is a common challenge for gardeners and landscapers. Understanding when to prune and when to replace is crucial for maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Not all plants respond well to severe pruning; some are better replaced altogether. Let’s discuss specific Southwestern shrubs and succulents.

Oleander that has undergone severe renewal pruning in spring.

Springtime Rejuvenation

Many shrubs can be rejuvenated by severely pruning them back, which gets rid of old, woody growth and stimulates the production of new branches, which will flower more (in the case of flowering shrubs). It is helpful to think of severe renewal pruning as the “fountain of youth” for many plants.

This type of pruning is best done in spring, once the weather begins to warm up. Shrubs that respond well to this include bougainvillea, jojoba, lantana, oleander, Texas sage, and yellow bells. It’s important to note that not all shrubs will come back from this method, but the pruning didn’t kill the shrub – it only hastened the demise of the plant that was already in progress. If this happens, replace it with another.

Old desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri)

Some Plants Do Not Like Renewal Pruning

There are some plants that don’t respond well to renewal pruning or where that isn’t possible to do in the case of succulents. In this case, the solution is simple – take them out and replace them with a younger version of the same plant. Examples of plants that are better removed and replaced include aloe, desert spoon, red yucca (hesperaloe), rosemary, and prickly pear cactus. When you think about it, the cost isn’t very high, when you consider the beauty that these plants added to your landscape for eight years or more.

Heavenly Cloud Texas Sage several weeks after severe pruning.

Weighing the Cost and Beauty

Explore the decision-making process behind removing and replacing old succulents and shrubs in your landscape, considering the cost and the beauty they bring to your garden.

When you think about it, the cost isn’t very high, when you consider the beauty that these plants added to your landscape for eight years or more.

*Have you severely pruned back an old shrub and had it come back beautifully? Or, maybe you recently removed and replaced some old succulents?

Ready to Prune? Here Are Common Pruning Terms Defined

Overgrown Container Plants Get a Much Needed Haircut

Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, Cactus/Succulents, Containers, desert gardening, Pruning, Shrubs, Southwest garden

I’m about to show you my messy container plants, which have been sadly ignored for the past few months.

Overgrown Container Plants

Shocking isn’t it? I’m embarrassed to show this to you, but I’m the first to admit that I’m not a perfect gardener. Sometimes, life gets in the way of garden maintenance tasks, and since I don’t have my own personal gardener on my payroll, my plants sometimes look like this.

While the plants are perfectly happy and healthy, they are messy, and you can’t even tell how many plants and pots there are.

The center pot is filled with a lush green Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) shrub and some overgrown ‘Victoria Blue’ salvia.

Arabian jasmine loves shade and can handle filtered shade too. It’s fragrant white flowers greet visitors who pass by it on the way to the front door. As you can see, it does well when planted in the ground or a large pot.

hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa), bush morning glory (Convolvulus cneorum), and foxtail asparagus fern (Protasparagus densiflorus 'Meyeri')

In this corner, my lovely blue pot is filled with a hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa), bush morning glory (Convolvulus cneorum), and foxtail asparagus fern (Protasparagus densiflorus ‘Meyeri’).

I planted this arrangement of plants last year and was inspired by a collection of containers that I saw in California.

I love the combination of plants known for their foliage and wanted this for my front entry. Needless to say, mine doesn’t look like this and won’t without a little attention from me.

This is my succulent container that is filled with a single ‘King Ferdinand’ agave (Agave ferdinandi-regis) and elephants food (Portulacaria afra).

*The witch decoration is a little outdoor decoration for Halloween.

Overgrown Container Plants Pruning

I started in by pruning the most prominent plant, the Arabian jasmine. Using my hand pruners, I cut it back, removing approximately 2/3 of its total size. The ‘Victoria Blue’ salvia was cut back as well, but it is on its way out as it’s usually used for as a warm season annual, but it may come back and bloom for me before winter arrives.

As I pruned back the overgrown jasmine, I discovered a forgotten trailing plant that I had added several months ago. I can’t remember what it was – perhaps bacopa or scaevola.

That looks so much better! The Arabian jasmine will grow back a little before the cold of winter halts its growth. I lightly trimmed the elephants food and tied up the hop bush to a wooden stake to help promote more upright growth.

In about a week, I’ll add some flowering annuals to the black pot, and I’m open to suggestions. *Do you have a favorite cool-season annual?

Got Frost-Damaged Plants? How and When to Prune…

Meyer Lemons: Why You Should Plant One

Arizona garden, California desert garden, Citrus, desert gardening, Fruit Trees, Houzz Article, Las Vegas gardening, Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting, Southwest garden, Southwest Texas garden

One of the best things about having a garden in the desert southwest is our ability to grow citrus of all kinds. Lemon trees are a popular fruit tree and I am often asked what type of lemon do I recommend.

There are different types of lemons but the one that is my favorite isn’t a ‘true’ lemon tree at all. It’s a Meyer lemon, which is a cross between an orange tree and a lemon tree.

The result is a fruit that tastes sweeter than your typical lemon and has lovely thin, smooth skin. Meyer lemons are suitable for use in the same ways that other lemons are, but you can use them in additional ways as well due to their sweeter nature.

I recently shared the reasons why you should plant a Meyer lemons tree in one of my latest articles for Houzz.

Have you ever grown a Meyer lemons tree?

March is the Perfect Time for Planting a Meyer Lemon Tree

Screening and Color For a Blank Wall

Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, Containers, desert gardening, Fuss Free Plant, Landscape Problems, Shrubs, Southwest garden, Succulent Gardening

Have you ever encountered this landscaping challenge? This blank wall is rather boring, and the home behind it dominates the view. So what would you do to fix these problems?

I faced this dilemma last month at a client’s home. The pool was the main focal point of the landscape, and the dull wall wasn’t doing it any favors. In coming up with a solution, we had to select a plant that was relatively low-litter, due to the proximity to the pool and that looked attractive throughout the entire year because of the high-profile location.

Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa)

I recommended adding three hop bush (Dodonaea viscosa). These are tall, evergreen shrubs that thrive in arid climates such as ours.

One of the many things that I love about them is their versatility. They thrive in full sun and light shade, and can be allowed to grow up to 12 feet tall, or maintained at a lower height.

Hop bush can be allowed to grow to their natural shape…

…or pruned more formally.

For the area behind the pool, I recommend having it grow to its full height, which will help provide privacy while the attractive foliage will add a welcome screen of green throughout the year.

evergreen shrubs Hop bush flowers

Hop bush does produce light green, papery flowers in spring, but they aren’t particularly showy. So, we need to add a color element to the area behind the pool.

One of my favorite ways to add color to any landscape is to incorporate brightly colored containers in shade of blue, purple, or orange. That way, whether plants are in bloom or not, there is always a bright splash of color.

For this area, I recommended adding 3 blue pots, equally spaced.

Now it was time to decide what to plant in each pot. The client wanted a low-maintenance choice that wouldn’t require a lot of water.

Immediately, I remembered touring a landscape that had blue containers filled with ‘Blue Elf’ aloe. Even though the aloe had finished blooming for the year, their spiky blue-gray foliage added nice color contrast.

This small aloe is one of my favorite succulents for several reasons. First, it begins to bloom in late winter, lasting into spring adding welcome color to cool-season landscapes. Hummingbirds can’t resist the flowers either.

This aloe is best showcased when grouped together and thrives in full sun, unlike most aloe which prefer filtered shade. Finally, it is hardy to 15 degrees F. so cold winters seldom bother it.

And so, here is the planting that I suggested to my client that will provide year round beauty and privacy.

*Do you have a favorite plant or group of plants that you like to use against bare walls?

Visit to a Client’s Desert Garden

Succulents, More Than Just Drought Tolerant

Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Houzz Article, Landscape Problems, Las Vegas gardening, New Mexico garden, Succulent Gardening

In the past, succulent plants were valued primarily for their drought tolerance and found their way into gardens in arid regions. Today, while they are still a great choice for water-wise plants are wise, they offer many other benefits to outdoor spaces including adding colorful flowers and solving common garden problems.

Elk Horn (Cotyledon orbiculata)

I’ve written a series of articles for Houzz focusing on succulents and how you can add beauty to your garden with these versatile plants that will thrive in arid climates.

I hope you find inspiration through them and look at succulent plants in a new way.

10 Spectacular Flowering Succulents

How Succulents Can Solve Your Garden Problems

How do you like to use succulents in your garden?

Drought Tolerant and Beautiful: Anacacho Orchid

Annual Apple Day: Picking, Baking, and Games

Arizona garden, az plant lady family, desert gardening, Fruit Trees, Southwest garden

The arrival of summer in the desert fills with days where the thermometer surpasses the century mark and trees are heavily laden with apples. People are often surprised to find that apple trees can be grown in our arid climate, but they do surprisingly well. I have two apple trees in my garden, which is the center of our annual apple day where we gather together to harvest, bake, and play games.

The participants range from 2-years old, all the way to 19 and are made up of my kids, niece, nephews, in-laws, and my grandson, Eric. Each year, they all come over for a day filled with summer fun.

Picking apples are first on the agenda, and the kids pick delicious apples within reach of their arm’s reach.

The younger kids are excited to spot Aesop, our desert tortoise munching on grass, and take a moment to pet him.

One of my nephews is a little nervous to pet Aesop, so he observes him from a couple of feet away.

Half a bushel of apples is more than enough for two pies, with plenty left over for the kids to munch on while we bake.

Out comes my handy apple peeler, which makes peeling and slicing apples a cinch. In addition to peeling them, it cores each and cuts them into a spiral.

(Affiliate Link)Johnny Apple Peeler by VICTORIO VKP1010, Cast Iron, Suction Base

The kids line up to take a turn turning the handle for each apple and sneak ribbons of apple peel to eat.

Homemade apple crust is the way to go and I use Paula Deen’s recipe for Perfect Pie Crust. It is a little sweet and uses a combination of vegetable shortening and butter.

The filling consists of brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

Oh, and butter…

The trickiest part is gently laying the top crust on top of the pie without it breaking.

Crimping.

At this point, the kids wanted to know how long it would take to bake.

Onto our second pie, which was a Dutch apple pie, so only one crust was needed.

My niece helped sprinkle the streusel topping. I always make extra streusel topping because I love it so much.

Pies are now in the oven, and it’s time to play our favorite board game, ‘Ticket to Ride’ and see who can complete their train routes across the U.S.

(Affiliate Link)Ticket To Ride

Finally, the timer dings and warm apple pie leaves the oven, making our mouths water with their delicious fragrance.

Every year, I am pleasantly surprised at how much the kids in both my immediate and extended family, look forward to this day of pie baking. For a few hours, I have the privilege of interacting with them without the distractions of phones, television, and video games while teaching them how to bake as well as where fruit comes from (a tree versus the grocery store).

I hope to continue this tradition for years to come. *Do you have any traditions that you enjoy with your family that revolves around baking?

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