Plants to Protect for Extended Winter Beauty
Most desert landscape plants don’t need covering during normal winter cold. But some die back after a freeze unless protected. If you grow any of these plants, consider covering them … Read more
Lilac Vine: Enchanting Winter Flowers
Lilac vine is a lush evergreen vine that bursts into bloom in late winter when little else is blooming. It’s a manageable vine that can also be used as a … Read more
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
It’s Cold! Should I Cover My Plants?
When night-time temperatures dip to freezing in the desert southwest, you might be wondering which, if any, of your landscape plants you should cover. Here’s a look at which plants … Read more
Big Muhly: Dramatic Texas Native
Big muhly is a suitably named ornamental grass. This dramatic member of the muhly grasses can make a big statement in desert landscapes. Here’s how to grow and care for … Read more
Chocolate Flower: Smells Like Chocolate!
Chocolate flower is an evergreen perennial that has fragrant yellow flowers that smell like chocolate. Here’s how to grow and care for this southwest native wildflower. Chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata) … Read more
Snail Vine: Unique, Curly, Fragrant Flowers
Snail vine is a vigorous vine with charming, fragrant purple flowers that, unsurprisingly, are shaped like snails. Here’s how to plant and care for this Latin American native. Snail vine … Read more
Mexican Honeysuckle: “Goldilocks” Plant
Mexican honeysuckle is a popular desert shrub with brilliant orange flowers that, unfortunately, often struggles to look its best. Here’s how to find the perfect “Goldilocks Zone” for this colorful … Read more
‘Leslie Roy’: Patented Mesquite Hybrid
‘Leslie Roy’ is a fast-growing mesquite hybrid that offers several improvements over the two parent trees, including being thornless and producing very few seed pods. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Queen’s Wreath: Dazzling Desert Vine
Clusters of vibrant pink flowers and bright green heart-shaped leaves make queen’s wreath vine a show-stopper, especially when in full bloom. Here’s how to plant and care for this Sonoran … Read more
Insecticidal Soap vs Dish Detergent: Which is Better?
There are a lot of DIY remedies for eliminating insect pests on plants, and one of the most common is spraying with a solution of dish washing liquid. Does dish … Read more
January: What to Do in the Desert Garden
January is the second coldest month, but there are still plenty of things to be done in the desert garden. Here’s a look at what you can plant this month, … Read more