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.
Are you looking for ways to save money on plants while still having the desert garden of your dreams? There are a surprising number of ways to acquire new plants … Read more
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
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are 6 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
March is one of the busiest months in desert gardens. It’s officially spring, wildflowers are blooming, and plants are pushing out new growth. Here’s a look at what you can … Read more
Desert bluebell is an unmistakable, vivid blue wildflower. Once established in your garden, this eye-catching annual will come back year after year. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Yellow oleander is a large evergreen shrub that blooms in late summer through fall when the flowers of many desert shrubs are fading after a long, hot summer. Here’s how … Read more
With its large pads, tree-like form, and flowers and fruits in a rainbow of colors, Indian fig provides year-long interest (and edible fruit) in desert gardens. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Orchid tree is a large shrub or small tree that bursts forth with either white or pink flowers in the spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
If you’re looking for something a little different from the more commonly grown penstemons, consider rock penstemon. This lovely wildflower is unusual in a number of ways. Here’s everything you … 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
