Pink Muhly: Dazzling Ornamental Grass
Pink muhly is an ornamental grass with dramatic pink plumes. It thrives in the southwest despite being native to the Eastern US. Here’s how to grow this gorgeous, adaptable plant. … Read more
Deane Alban
Why I Hired an Arborist to Check My New Trees
When my young desert trees were ready to be pruned, I hired an arborist. Here’s a look at why I hired a professional, what actions she took, instructions she gave … Read more
Autumn Sage: Colorful Compact Shrub
Autumn sage is a delightful, compact evergreen shrub with red flowers that bloom most of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and taking care of this … Read more
Texas Olive: Lovely But Messy
Texas olive is a heat-loving tree or shrub that’s adorned with large creamy white flowers from spring through fall. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more
Gopher Plant: Vivid Spring Color
Gopher plant is a succulent-like ground cover that’s studded with vivid chartreuse flowers that almost glow every spring. Here’s how to plant and care for this Mediterranean perennial. Gopher plant … Read more
March: What to Do in the Desert Garden
It’s officially spring in the desert garden. Wildflowers are blooming and many plants are pushing out new growth. Here’s a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, … Read more
Candelilla: Surprisingly Sturdy Succulent
Candelilla is comprised of numerous delicate-looking stems, but this succulent is surprisingly sturdy. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this resilient Chihuahuan Desert native. Candelilla … Read more
Mulga Acacia: Hardy Tree From the Outback
Mulga is an attractive Australian outback native acacia that’s completely at home in the desert southwest. Here’s how to plant and care for this resilient tree. Mulga (Acacia aneura), also … Read more
Agave Weevil: Little Bug, Big Problem
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
Madagascar Periwinkle: Top Container Annual
Madagascar periwinkle is a star-performing container plant available in a rainbow of colors. Here’s how to grow this heat-loving annual in the desert. If you love flowers, but find that … Read more
Chitalpa: Fabulous but Flawed
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
Blackfoot Daisy: Dainty But Tough
Blackfoot daisy is a perennial ground cover that, for much of the year, is smothered in adorable daisy-like flowers. This small plant is much tougher than it looks. Here’s how … Read more