Does Desert Mistletoe Kill Trees? (You May Be Surprised)
Desert mistletoe is a natural part of the desert ecosystem. Is it a parasite that kills trees? Or is it less harmful than purported? The truth may surprise you. Most … Read more
Deane Alban
Bull Grass: Top Performing Ornamental
Bull grass is a top-performing, but little-known, ornamental grass with a bevy of attributes. It’s a desert native that’s compact, has a long bloom season, is nearly maintenance-free, and doesn’t … Read more
Purple Fountain Grass: Sterile or Invasive?
It’s a well-established fact that fountain grass is invasive in the desert. Purple fountain grass is often recommended as a “sterile” variety that can be planted safely instead. But is … Read more
Gregg’s Mist: Flutters of Butterflies
Gregg’s mist is a captivating, native perennial that butterflies can’t resist! Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of this butterfly magnet, including the amazing reason butterflies flock … Read more
February: What to Do in the Desert Garden
February is on the cusp of spring in the desert garden. Here’s a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how and when to fertilize citrus, where … Read more
7 Reasons I Appreciate Gardening in the Desert
Desert gardening has its challenges, but there is much to appreciate about gardening in the desert, too. Here are some of the many reasons I appreciate gardening in Tucson. As … Read more
Mexican Feather Grass: Delicate but Aggressive
Mexican feather grass is an unusually delicate, airy desert plant, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s surprisingly tough and reseeds aggressively. Here’s how to grow this desert native. … Read more
Outback Sunrise Emu: High Impact Ground Cover
Outback sunrise emu is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with yellow flowers in the spring. Here’s how to plant and care for this extremely low-maintenance cultivar of an Australian … Read more
Texas Mountain Laurel: Distinctive Desert Beauty
Texas mountain laurel is a unique evergreen tree with wisteria-like flowers that smell like grape soda. Here’s how to plant and care for this Chihuahuan Desert native. Texas mountain laurel … Read more
5 “Green” Ways to Get Rid of Your Nursery Pots
Swamped with plastic nursery pots? Not sure how to get rid of them responsibly? Here are the best ways to repurpose your pots, while helping others and the environment. As … Read more
Blanket Flower: Festive, Reliable Bloomer
Blanket flower is a festive perennial that blooms most of the year in hot, dry gardens. Here’s how to grow and care for this hybrid of two native wildflowers. Blanket … Read more
Deer Grass: Outstanding Native Ornamental
Deer grass is a southwest native that makes an outstanding landscape plant. Once established, it can survive with no irrigation. Here’s how to grow this resilient ornamental grass. Deer grass … Read more