

Old, Overgrown Plants: Time to Start Over?
Arizona, Arizona garden, California, California desert garden, desert gardening, Landscape Problems, Shrubs, Succulent Gardening
Have you ever driven by a newly-planted landscape? If so, you probably noticed that many of the plants were quite small.
I like to joke that sometimes you need a magnifying glass just to see the new plants. But as small…

A Historic Garden Jewel in the City
Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, Ground Covers, Landscape Design, Southwest garden
Unveiling a Historic Garden Oasis
Step back in time in a busy city. Completely surrounded by small adobe homes and extensive historic gardens - all in modern-day Phoenix.
A Glimpse into Phoenix Homesteads District
Phoenix's Only…

Fall Planting: How to Select Plants
Arizona garden, California desert garden, desert gardening, Nevada garden, Southwest garden
Choosing the Right New Plants for Your Garden
Research New Plants Before You Shop
New plants can be planted in the fall with ease. You may notice the lengthening shadows on your way home from work, signaling shorter days. Or maybe you've…

Made in the Shade: Yellow Dot
Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady Classes, California desert garden, desert gardening, Ground Covers, Landscape Problems, Las Vegas gardening
It may surprise you to find that it is easier to find plants that thrive in the sun than in the shade.
Especially if you live in the desert Southwest. Why is this, you may ask?
Well, it can be hard to find plants that can handle the intense,…

Have You Suffered From Color Blindness in the Garden?
Arizona garden, California desert garden, desert gardening, Garden Travels, Landscape Problems, Las Vegas gardening, New Mexico garden, Southwest garden
Understanding Garden Color Blindness
Last month, I diagnosed my first ever case of garden color blindness.
Now, I realize that I am no doctor or medical authority. However, as a horticulturist, I am somewhat of an expert in the garden,…

It’s All About the Leaves: Creative Container Plantings
Arizona garden, Containers, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Fuss Free Plant, Southwest garden
Exploring Unconventional Container Plants
What type of plants comes to mind when you are planning what to plant in your containers?
I'm willing to bet that purple hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea') and bush morning glory (Convolvulus…

Small Agaves Perfect for Containers
Agave, Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, Containers, desert gardening, Nevada garden, Succulent Gardening
I have a confession to make.
I don't have any containers filled with flowering annuals. Shocking isn't it?
There are a few reasons for this, the most important one is that I prefer using relatively fuss-free plants that look great…

Behind the Scenes at Botanical Interests Seed Company
Garden Travels, Product Review
Exploring Botanical Interests Seed Company
Have you ever taken a peek behind the scenes? If you have, you know it reveals so much that you never knew. In the past, I've had a look at what goes on in the background in a variety of places…

5 Tips for a Heatproof Garden
Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, desert gardening, Drought Tolerant, Las Vegas gardening, Southwest garden
Preparing Your Garden for a Heatwave: 5 Essential Tips
Have you ever wondered how your plants fare in the scorching heat of summer? Is your garden equipped to withstand the punishing temperatures that a heatwave can bring, whether you reside…

How Much Water Do My Plants Need?
Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, desert gardening, Irrigation, Las Vegas gardening, Nevada garden, Southwest garden
"How much water do my plants need?"
I am often asked this question by desert dwellers and my answer is always, "That depends."
There are several variables that determine how much water plants need, along with the frequency of watering.
Variables…