Archive for “gardening” Tag

Plant of the Month: Coral Fountain

April 2, 2024

When you ask most people what they want in their garden, their most common answer is, “color”. One of the best plants that I like to recommend for warm-season color is the coral fountain. Also known as the firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis). It has beautiful, cascading foliage that resembles the movement of water. Deep orange flowers begin to appear in …

Read More

Water – Plant It Wisely: Everything You Need for Spring Planting!

February 12, 2024

This spring, learn how beautiful water conservation can be.  Spring is in the air; in the sweetness of the citrus buds, in the warmth against your skin, and in the vibrant colors of blooming shrubs. Time to put your garden gloves and shovel to work and get your landscaping on par with the rest of Mother Nature. Water – Plant …

Read More

Peoria – Composting

December 5, 2023

Trash bin full of yard waste? Turn that waste into money by composting it for re-use in your landscape and gardens. In this class, you will learn what to compost and how to keep the material “cooking” to create your own soil amendments. To register click here and look under “Green Living” or call 623.773.7137

Read More

Caring for Your Landscape When the Weather Cools

December 15, 2021

We have experienced above-average temperatures throughout the fall season, but now with the arrival of December and with the start of meteorological winter, temperatures should begin to cool. Meaning it’s a perfect time to get your yard ready for you and your winter guests to enjoy. Plus, correctly maintaining your desert-adapted yard during these chillier months will also help make …

Read More

Sustainable Gardening in the Desert – Ten Easy Tips

August 8, 2021

Many of us garden for the pure aesthetics that a well-maintained landscape brings to our home. However, there is more to a garden than just beauty. As we consider the installation or renovations to our landscapes, it’s a great time to think about gardening sustainably. Our gardens can provide food and shelter for wildlife, insulate our homes, prevent water runoff …

Read More

Irrigation Maintenance Checklist Perfect for Spring Weather

January 28, 2021

Ahhhh, spring in the Desert Southwest… beautiful, sunny, seventy-five degree days. It’s perfect weather for gardening, but it’s also an especially good time for some irrigation system maintenance. Irrigation problems are not always apparent because of the cool nighttime temperatures, the periodic cloudy days, and even the occasional sprinkle of rain. So, don’t wait until the heat sets in. It …

Read More
Broken spray head

Plant of the Month: Fall Planting for Spring Blooms

October 16, 2020

Spring wildflower season is one of the desert’s most colorful periods. But planning for those multicolored displays in the spring requires planning in the Fall. It’s prime time for fall planting! From late September through early December is the perfect time to sow spring seeds in the Arizona desert. Most spring-blooming wildflowers benefit from the cold temperatures of winter and …

Read More

Plant of the Month: Fairy Duster

September 2, 2020

Calliandra, commonly known as Fairy Duster, refers to the beautiful stamens which make the tufted or ball-like flowers on these loosely branched shrubs. Their beautiful and vibrant colors range from pale pink to deep red. These small to medium-sized shrubs produce their flowers against a backdrop of finely divided, lacy-looking foliage. Fairy Dusters can be used in a wide variety …

Read More

Plant of the Month: Texas Ebony

July 27, 2020

Texas Ebony is native to the lowland regions of the Gulf of Mexico from southern Texas to northeastern Mexico. The highly ornamental, glossy, dark green foliage is its most striking feature. This popular small to medium tree has flexible, zigzagged branches, and fragrant catkin-like spring flowers. The dense canopy is evergreen in lower desert regions. Texas Ebony, Ebenopsis ebano (formerly …

Read More

5 Ways to Help Your Garden Weather a Southwest Summer

June 10, 2020

Summer is here. Residents of the Southwest are no strangers to the heat, which not only affects our comfort but can be difficult for the plants in your garden. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to help your garden weather the heat of a Southwest summer. Southwest Gardening’s Noelle Johnson lives in the Phoenix area where summertime temperatures …

Read More

Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System

May 13, 2020

Spruce Up Your Sprinkler System and Save! Spring has arrived! The onset of warmer weather can lead to an increase in landscape irrigation. Before you ramp up your watering, be sure to spruce up your irrigation system. System maintenance can help save you a lot of money and water! Cracks in pipes can lead to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler …

Read More

Water – Plant It Wisely: The Ultimate Spring Planting Resource

March 4, 2020

This spring, learn how beautiful water conservation can be. Spring is in the air; in the sweetness of the citrus buds, in the warmth against your skin, in the vibrant colors of blooming shrubs. Time to put your garden gloves and shovel to work and get your landscaping on par with the rest of Mother Nature. Water – Plant It …

Read More