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.
When should you water your plants — in the morning or in the evening? How much does it matter? Discover what the experts have to say about the best time … Read more
Correct watering is the single most important thing you can do for your landscape plants, including cactus. Cactus are often watered too much, too little … or not at all. … Read more
Agave weevils infest agave crops and desert landscape plants and are a worldwide problem. Learn the symptoms, which agave species are the most susceptible, what you can do if your … Read more
Chitalpa is a fast-growing ornamental tree with showy flowers… and a serious, ubiquitous problem. Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide whether you should plant this tree … Read more
Yellow bells is an eye-catching desert shrub that looks like it belongs in the tropics, but is actually a southwest desert native. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
The merciless heat and aridity of June make it the hardest month on plants, and the most challenging for desert gardeners. Discover what you should and shouldn’t do in the … Read more
Coral honeysuckle is a good choice for attracting and supporting bees, butterflies, and numerous bird species. And, unlike some vines, it’s well-behaved in desert gardens. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
There are three plants commonly grown as annuals that go by the interchangeable common names “purslane”, “portulaca”, and “moss rose” — it can be confusing! Learn the difference between them, … Read more
Ornamental purslane is an eye-popping annual that’s available in a rainbow of colors. These selections don’t exist in nature but are cultivars of common purslane. Here’s how to grow this … Read more
Neem oil is a natural, versatile insecticide that breaks down fast in the environment and can treat many common insect pests. But it has some big drawbacks, too, including issues … Read more
‘Silver Swirl’ dusty miller is a silver-leaved perennial with a unique rosette form that always looks cool and fresh, even in extreme desert heat. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more
‘Little Ollie’ is an attractive evergreen shrub that has silvery-green leaves but no flowers or olives, making it non-allergenic and nearly litter-free. 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.
