Did you know that one of the great things about living in the Southwest is the fact that we aren't limited to just growing flowering annuals in our pots - succulents make great alternative container plants! Last year, I replaced all of my…

(Dasylirion wheeleri) I love to use plants that thrive in the desert Southwest. But, I won't use just any plant - it has to be drought tolerant, low-maintenance and add beauty to the landscape. One of my favorites for adding…

Do you ever find yourself pulling into the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant? I do. Lately, I have been very busy with landscape consults as well as working on a large golf course re-landscaping project, which have resulted in more…

Do you like palo verde trees? I must confess that I fell in love with these iconic desert trees with their green trunks and yellow flowers when I moved to Arizona 28 years ago. Some people may resent the mess that the fallen flowers…

Do you like cactus? I find that even people who aren't huge fans of cacti, tend to like make an exception for golden barrels (Echinocactus grusonii).   I think one of the reasons for its popularity is because of its globular…

Do you like puppies, iPhones and plants? If so, then this should be a fun post. If you have an android phone, you will like at least two of the 'P's'. Okay, the first 'P' stands for 'puppy'.... Meet the newest addition to our furry…

When you visit a nursery, do you wonder which plants are drought tolerant as opposed to those who will wilt if not given enough water? There are a few different traits that many drought-tolerant plants share.  For example, did you know…

Have you ever gardened in an area where spiny cacti, dry heat, and scorpions are common elements? I was recently invited to be on the podcast, "Back to My Garden" where I shared some of the highs and lows of gardening in the desert along…

At first glance, violet Silverleaf (Leucophyllum candid) may look like a nice gray shrub with a smattering of purple flowers. BUT, when you crank up the humidity and add some summer rain into the mix and it really explodes with…