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.
How and when should you fertilize desert landscape palms? Do you really need a special palm fertilizer? Discover why fertilizing is recommended, what to look for in a palm fertilizer, … Read more
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are the steps you can take to minimize their stress and get your plants off to the … Read more
It’s a universal gardening “rule of thumb” that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time … Read more
As the weather heats up in May, gardening activity winds down. Discover what you can still plant, prune, and fertilize (and what you shouldn’t), how to adjust your watering schedule … Read more
Do the leaves on your plants have small, perfect circles cut out of them? They’re the amazing work of leafcutter bees, which are native, non-aggressive, and important pollinators. What, if … Read more
Looking for a sturdy yet manageable garden hose? Stainless steel hoses are nearly indestructible. They withstand intense heat and sun. You can drag them across gravel or impale them on … Read more
If you’re looking to add shade to your desert garden fast, Chinese elm is one to consider. It’s a beautiful, resilient tree, but it’s not ideal for every situation. Here’s … Read more
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance vine that grows in part shade and stays a manageable size, consider snapdragon vine. This charming vine grows in the canyons and on the … Read more
Bee brush is a lacy shrub with aromatic flowers that smell like vanilla and attract bees and butterflies like crazy. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this Chihuahuan … Read more
Desert gardening can be challenging. Looking for an advantage? Grow native plants! Here are the top reasons growing natives can make gardening more enjoyable and less of a struggle. There’s … Read more
With fern-like leaves and bright purple flowers, moss verbena makes a delightful, low-maintenance ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Moss verbena (Glandularia tenera) … Read more
Slim bottlebrush has typical bottlebrush leaves and red flowers, but grows tall and narrow, making it an excellent option for small spaces. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Want to learn more about specific plants? Explore our Desert Plant Library, where you’ll find comprehensive plant profiles of 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 15 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.
