Gardening in the desert has its challenges, but with the right information, it’s possible to have a beautiful garden filled with low-maintenance plants. Southwest Gardener will show you how.
If TEP (Tucson Electric Power) is your electricity provider, you can take advantage of their “Trees for You” program. Here’s a review of the trees available through this program to … Read more
It’s generally believed that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But recently, the experts are “warming up” to the idea that fall is now the best time … Read more
Agave weevils infest agave crops and desert landscape plants and are a global problem. Learn the symptoms, what you can do if your plants are infected, steps to take to … Read more
It’s generally recommended that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But here in the desert Southwest there’s been a change of heart among many experts, who now … Read more
If you notice weird, unsightly growths on any of your desert landscape plants, it might be witches’ broom. Here’s a look at the underlying causes of witches’ broom, how to … Read more
October is the month gardeners have been waiting for! The weather is getting cooler, and it’s prime time for planting desert landscape plants. Here’s a look at what you can … Read more
If you are looking for an unusual potted plant that’s a conversation starter, consider popcorn cassia. While it’s not ideally suited to grow as a desert landscape plant, it makes … Read more
Netleaf hackberry is a tremendous tree in many ways. It supports bees, birds, and butterflies and becomes extremely drought tolerant with age. But it’s not right for every situation. Here’s … Read more
Purple heart is a familiar houseplant that makes a surprisingly resilient ground cover and outdoor patio plant in desert gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this native of … Read more
Whale’s tongue is a bold agave with thick, silver leaves that make an eye-catching focal point in desert gardens. It’s desert tough and largely impervious to desert heat, drought, and … Read more
Goldenball leadtree is a small deciduous tree with bright green foliage and golden yellow puffball flowers. It may look like it belongs in the tropics, but it’s a tough Chihuahuan … Read more
If you’re looking for a shrub to attract and support birds and butterflies, you won’t find a better plant than desert hackberry. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Want to learn more about specific plants? Explore our Desert Plant Library, where you’ll find comprehensive “Growing Guides” for over 200 popular landscape plants.
Ready to get started, but not sure where to begin? Please visit the “Welcome” page.
About Me
Hi, I’m Deane Alban, the creator of Southwest Gardener. I’m a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is my lifelong passion. I’ve been gardening in Tucson for over 16 years.
Whether your interest in gardening is casual — you simply want to learn to take care of the plants you have — or gardening is your passion, I think you’ll find what you’re looking for at Southwest Gardener
Want to learn how to take care of your plants? Check out Desert Gardening Basics for the best care practices based on science and experience, not fads.
