The summer rainy season is here, making it a great time to get out in the garden and do some planting! For many seed varieties in the Native Seeds/SEARCH collection, this is a traditional time to plant. The monsoons allow for a second summer season after crops planted in March and early April have matured and been harvested. These varieties …
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Water harvesting is the capture and storage of rainfall to irrigate plants or to supply people and animals. It is one of the oldest known gardening methods. Water harvesting dates back to the beginning of agriculture. In the desert southwest, Tohono O’odham, and Hopi tribes still harvest rainwater after the onset of summer and winter rain. Did you ever play in rainwater as a child, building earth dikes and letting them go? …
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The vibrant color of bougainvillea adds a welcome splash of color to southwestern landscapes, and despite their lush green appearance, they thrive in hot, dry climates with little fuss. There are several different species of bougainvillea with Bougainvillea glabra, B. peruviana, and B. spectabilis being the most common. Native to South America, this drought-tolerant plant comes available as shrubs, vines, as well as …
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When it comes to desert landscaping you often hear the terms “Xeriscape” and “zeroscape” used interchangeably, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between the two? Xeriscape and zeroscape are definitely not the same. Let’s explain: Xeriscape comes from the Greek word “xeric” meaning dry or arid. Zeroscape is basically a mispronunciation of Xeriscape. The correct way to …
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Visiting a xeriscape demonstration garden, which showcases low-water-use plants, is an excellent way to get new and innovative ideas for your home landscape. You won’t have to travel far, as a number of the Water – Use It Wisely partners feature unique demonstration gardens right in your own community. Plan your visit today to one of the many demonstration gardens throughout …
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Description The gray leaves of Desert lavender, Hyptis emoryi, are covered with fine hairs and are soft to the touch. A pleasant lavender scent is released following rains or if you brush against the foliage. Individual leaves are 1-inch-long by ¾ inch wide, broader at the base than the tip. The edges have rounded teeth. The branches grow upright to …
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It’s one of the great debates. Like Yankees vs. Red Socks, Democrats vs. Republicans, cat lovers vs. dog lovers, there are those who overseed their grass vs. those who don’t. Why the great debate? Well, it’s hard to say exactly how it all started, but it likely has something to do with American’s love of lush green lawns and doing whatever it …
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The fall planting season has arrived! Temperatures are cooler, and it’s a great time to replace plants you may have lost during the hot summer. Why is fall planting so good for plants? Soil temperatures are still warm, encouraging root growth and development and allowing plants to get much better established before next summer’s heat sets in. Also, with cooler …
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Description Desert Milkweed, Asclepias subulata, has slender gray-green stems that grow vertically to 4 feet from a woody base. The plant’s spread can reach 2 feet or more. Leaves 2 inches long by 1/8-inch-wide appear on new growth but soon drop. The white milky sap that oozes from cut stems contains rubber. From spring through fall, flat-topped clusters of pale …
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Discover how to keep your backyard healthy and environmentally friendly Maintaining a sustainable backyard can be difficult during summer months. However, you can keep your yard green and healthy without water waste by implementing these four tips. Take advantage of native plants Keeping your backyard healthy and vibrant starts with the plants you’re using. In order to more easily save …
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Creosote Bush, Larrea tridentata is the perfect plant for us to feature during these hot summer months. It’s one of the toughest plants you’ll find, and with a little extra water, they are green and attractive in the landscape! Description – What does the Creosote Bush look like? Whenever it rains in the desert, Creosote Bush lends a distinctive fragrance …
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We are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab giveaway. DRUMROLL please! Congratulations to Paul M. from Tempe, Arizona! Out of a record-breaking 11,576 entries, Paul has won a gorgeous Xeriscape landscape makeover package valued at $9,000. Paul, who grew up in Scottsdale and is a flight attendant with American Airlines, is thrilled for the …
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