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.
Mt. Lemmon marigold is a large, airy perennial that has yellow daisy-like flowers and aromatic leaves. It blooms most prolifically in the fall, when many other desert flowers are fading. … 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
If you’ve ever seen a field of desert wildflowers and wish you could capture that beauty in your garden, you can, and it’s surprisingly easy! Learn where to find seeds, … Read more
Do you love fall colors, but live in the desert? Here’s a look at a handful of landscape trees that have colorful fall foliage and are easy to grow in … 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 the experts, who now … 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
Mexican daisy is a charming, evergreen ground cover for hot, dry gardens. It’s covered in a multicolored array of daisy-like flowers much of the year. Here’s how to grow and … Read more
‘Baby Yoda’ is a new and different Texas ranger. It has green leaves, rosy purple flowers, and stays compact, requiring little-to-no pruning. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Lantana gall mites are microscopic pests found exclusively on lantanas. They cause growths that look like mutant broccoli. Learn what to do (and not do) if your lantanas are infected, … Read more
Spotted spurge is a common, inconspicuous weed that loves the desert sun and heat. It may look innocuous, but it can cause big headaches. Learn why spurge is a scourge … Read more
African milk tree is a unique columnar succulent that’s lined with small leaves. It makes a particularly stunning container plant. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring … Read more
Ice plant is a succulent, evergreen ground cover. When in bloom, shimmery, purple daisy-like flowers are so dense they obscure the foliage. 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.
