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.
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
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
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
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
Black dalea is an airy, delicate-looking shrub that is much tougher than it looks. It’s actually a resilient landscape plant that thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Shoestring acacia is a tall, airy, pendulous tree that provides pleasing light shade. It’s relatively low-maintenance, except that it’s fairly messy. Here’s how to plant and care for this Australian … Read more
Weber’s agave makes a bold and beautiful accent plant, but it’s definitely not right for every garden due to its massive size and propensity for forming colonies. Here’s everything you … Read more
With deep green leaves and brilliant purple flowers, sandpaper verbena makes an eye-catching ground cover. Here’s how to grow and care for this South American native. Sandpaper verbena (Verbena rigida) … 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
