Brittlebush: Iconic Desert Shrub
Brittlebush is an iconic desert shrub that’s practically foolproof, even in the most difficult spots in the garden, yet it’s rarely used as a landscape plant. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Totem Pole Cactus: Weirdly Wonderful
Totem pole cactus is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in your yard. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs, but no thorns! Here’s how … Read more
Coral Fountain: Fabulous Exotic
Coral fountain is an aptly named cascading perennial that’s truly sensational when in full bloom. It looks straight out of the tropics, yet it does surprisingly well in the desert … Read more
Trailing Lantana: Delightful Lavender Ground Cover
Trailing lantana is an evergreen ground cover that’s blanketed with lavender flowers from spring through winter’s first freeze. In a mild winter, it will bloom nonstop all year. Here’s how … Read more
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
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” alternative 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 the desert … 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 Central US … 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