Southwest Gardener

Welcome to Southwest Gardener!

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.

Featured Articles

23 Desert Plants for Winter Color

December 2, 2025

Looking to add color to your desert garden that extends into winter? Look no further than these plants that have either colorful flowers or leaves in the winter. You’ll find … Read more

How & When to Fertilize Citrus Trees

July 30, 2025

If you grow citrus trees in the desert southwest, it’s important that you fertilize them to keep them healthy, attractive, and productive. But there’s more to it than haphazardly sprinkling … Read more

When is Your Last Frost Date? (and why it matters)

March 9, 2025

Knowing your area’s last frost date is something that every gardener and homeowner should know. It can keep you from inadvertently damaging or killing your plants. But most “last frost … Read more

ripe oranges hanging on an orange tree branch

February: What to Do in the Desert Garden

November 28, 2024

February may still technically be winter, but it’s on the cusp of spring in the desert garden. Here’s a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how … Read more

Desert Lavender: A Great Native Alternative

February 2, 2026

Lavender is a widely beloved perennial that can be challenging to grow in the desert. If you miss the fragrance of fresh lavender, consider growing desert lavender instead. Here’s how … Read more

Desert Clay Soil: Unique Problems & Solutions

January 28, 2026

Growing plants in the desert is already challenging, and growing them in clay soil can make it even more difficult. Learn how to tell if your soil is clay, the … Read more

trailing rosemary cascading down a stone wall

Trailing Rosemary: Twist on an Ancient Herb

January 25, 2026

Trailing rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen ground cover with delicate blue flowers from winter through spring. It’s a prostrate form of the “usual” rosemary, a culinary and healing herb native … Read more

Winter Blaze Emu Bush: Year Round Color

January 20, 2026

‘Winter blaze’ is a bit of a misnomer for this lovely emu bush, since it blooms much of the year, not just in winter. Here’s how to plant and care … Read more

Want to learn more about specific plants?
Explore our Desert Plant Library,
where you’ll find comprehensive plant profiles
of nearly 200 popular landscape plants.

Ready to get started, but not sure where to begin?
Please visit our “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

Read my full bio

Want to learn how to take care of your plants?
Visit our Desert Gardening Basics for the
best care practices based on science, not fads.