2021-05-14 18:22
I absolutely love spring. Some years, spring never arrives. Sometimes spring goes missing and winter turns right into summer. But not this year. We have had beautiful… Read More
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Ramblings From A Desert Garden.... Blog
azplantlady.com
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Adventures of a horticulturist who lives and gardens in the desert growing flowers, vegetables, fruit and the occasional cactus.
2021-05-03 18:35
Do you like to use fresh herbs when you cook?
What if you could just step outside your door and snip some herbs without having to go to the store?
Have you seen how expensive fre… Read More
2021-04-28 03:25
Many of us are familiar with how over-pruning can take away much of the beauty of flowering shrubs, in addition to contributing to their early death.
But, have you ever wondered what they… Read More
2021-04-19 17:45
Springtime in the desert southwest is a glorious time.
We say “goodbye” to cold, winter temperatures and delight in the landscape around us and it bursts into bloom.
I… Read More
2021-04-12 18:15
April in the desert garden is, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful time of year. Winter and spring-flowering plants (Damianita, Penstemon and ‘Valentine’ Emu Bush) are… Read More
2021-03-27 19:30
Spring in the desert Southwest is a busy time of year. While those that live in colder climates countdown the days until March 20th, the spring season often begins a full month earlier… Read More
2021-03-02 12:30
Do you ever wish you had flowers to give to a friend or to decorate your table?
Instead of heading to the store for a generic bouquet, how about creating a lovely bouquet straight from yo… Read More
2021-02-19 03:30
Last week, as my husband and I were pulling out our local Home Depot when I saw what looked like mini Christmas trees throughout the parking lot islands.
mini Christmas trees
I g… Read More
2021-02-11 13:54
Aren’t these shrubs beautiful?
Texas Sage ‘Green Cloud’ (Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Green Cloud’)
Thunder Cloud Sage (Leucophyllum candidum &lsqu&hell…Read More
2021-02-03 00:00
Do you like the idea of using household cleaners that are natural? I do. Especially after I noticed a build-up of ‘blue’ cleaning product in the small crevices of my bathroo… Read More
2021-01-04 08:10
I have had a love affair with roses for over 26 years.
It all began when we bought our first house. I was a young mother with two girls who was giddy with the possibilities of having… Read More
2020-11-04 18:44
Do you have parts of your landscape that you would like to change?
Perhaps you have areas you like, but there are plants you are tired of or are struggling with.
I want to show you wh… Read More
2020-10-22 15:00
Do you like to use herbs to flavor your favorite dishes? If so, than you’ll want to try herb salts.
So what are herb salts, you may wonder?
They are a mix of the herb o… Read More
2020-08-20 03:44
Let’s face it. Hot summers are not surprising to desert dwellers. In fact, a typical garden with native and desert-adapted plants will weather intense heat with little fuss.
Ho… Read More
2020-07-29 19:12
I have a shocking confession to make… Believe it or not, I’m relatively new to growing houseplants. Yep, it’s true. As a horticulturist, I’ve focused my career almo… Read More
2020-06-08 14:00
“Where do you recommend I go to buy plants?” This is one question that I’m often asked by desert dwellers.
The choices that people have for purchasing plants range from a… Read More
2020-05-21 14:00
Have you ever had the experience of receiving an unexpected bouquet?
I’ve been blessed to have gotten bouquets throughout my life from my wonderful husband, my children, and in the pa… Read More
2020-04-21 14:11
Spring in the desert brings a flurry of activity out in the garden – much of it involving container gardening.
As they say, in late spring, it’s “out with the old… Read More
2020-04-15 18:45
Have you ever discovered a garden in a surprising place?A few years ago, I found myself driving through the historic neighborhoods of the Encanto district in downtown Phoenix. I had finishe… Read More
2020-03-06 05:11
I have a wonderful treat for you! This week’s blog post is from Dr. Jacqueline Soule.
Chances are that her name sounds familiar and that is because she is a noted plant expert and well… Read More
2020-02-19 19:20
Did you know that you can have plants blooming in your landscape every month of the year? In the desert garden, this is definitely true!
One of the most popular programs that I teach at the… Read More
2020-02-06 20:59
A chilly winter’s morning dawns over this Phoenix garden
Winter is a beautiful time of year in the desert landscape with bright blue skies, fresh cool air, and the plants in the garden… Read More
2020-01-31 19:30
No matter where you live, you will see the same shrubs being used over and over again in countless landscapes. While the shrubs may be attractive, their overuse throughout neighborhoods crea… Read More
2020-01-21 14:00
Do you have citrus trees? If you live in zone 9 or higher, chances that you or your neighbor has a citrus tree or two growing in their backyard.
It may be hard for those who li… Read More
2020-01-08 16:35
One of the many blessings of living in the desert is that you can garden all year. That means that you can have beautiful color all year, even in the winter (above).
Drive down the… Read More
2019-11-29 19:30
I love to spend time out in the garden but it may surprise you to learn that I don’t have a garden shed full of tools, fertilizer, and other gardening items.
Full Disclosure: I USED t… Read More
2019-11-21 14:00
For those who live in the western half of the United States, water has always been a precious resource. In recent years, this has become especially true during a long-term drought has m… Read More
2019-11-14 14:00
Gardeners have long known about white flowering plants and the beauty that they bring to the garden.
The color white is seen by many as a bright, clean color that makes surrounding colors &l&hell…Read More
2019-11-07 14:06
Do you use white flowering plants in your landscape?
I do.
However, some people tend to overlook white flowers in favor of flashier colors such as yellow, orange or red. But did you kn… Read More
2019-11-01 14:00
Okay, correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it October 1st just a few days ago? It’s hard to believe that November is already here. You know what that means – Chri… Read More
2019-10-29 19:55
Hi There!
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting my blog. Whether you are a brand new visitor or a long-time reader, I appreciate you!
As many of you know, gardening in… Read More
2019-10-23 14:00
Does it look like fall where you live?
If you live in the West or Southwestern regions of the U.S. your answer is probably “no”.
Fall foliage we enjoyed on a trip to Williamsbur… Read More
2019-10-16 14:15
Have you ever sprayed air-freshener in your home? Does it ever smell like the fragrance described on the can?
I must confess that I have used air-fresheners in the past, but I’ve never… Read More
2019-10-03 14:00
Imagine finding yourself stepping back in time, surrounded by small adobe homes and extensive gardens – all in modern-day Phoenix.
The Phoenix Homesteads District dates back to… Read More
2019-09-11 14:52
With the imminent arrival of fall, I can’t wait to get to the nursery to choose plants for some empty spots in my landscape. Each year, I do an inventory or audit of my garden and look… Read More
2019-09-04 14:30
The signs that fall is approaching are sometimes so subtle that it is easy to miss them. But, they are there just the same.You may notice the lengthening shadows on your way home… Read More
2019-08-28 16:07
It may surprise you to find that it is easier to find plants that thrive in the sun than in the shade.
Especially if you live in the desert Southwest. Why is this, you may ask?
Well, it can… Read More
2019-08-21 15:40
I have a weakness (well, one of many) to confess to you today….
I absolutely love salt.
In fact, I have a theory that the reason that so many people love french fries is n… Read More
2019-08-14 17:37
Do you have plants that need extra water this summer?
Many of us have a few plants that aren’t connected to an irrigation system. Some people don’t have an irrigation… Read More
2019-08-08 15:01
Last month, I diagnosed my first ever case of color blindness.
Now, I realize that I am no doctor or medical authority. However, as a horticulturist, I am somewhat of an expert in the garden… Read More
2019-07-30 14:34
What type of plants comes to mind when you are planning what to plant in your containers?
I’m willing to bet that purple hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’)… Read More
2019-07-02 14:29
Have you ever taken a peek behind the scenes? If you have, you know it reveals so much that you never knew. In the past, I’ve had a look of what goes on in the background in a variety… Read More
2019-06-11 14:05
What do your plants look like in the middle of summer? Do they thrive despite the hot temperatures? Or do they look more like this?
Throw in a heatwave, and your lovely… Read More
2019-06-04 20:30
“How much water do my plants need?”
I am often asked this question by desert dwellers and my answer is always, “That depends.”
There are several variables that dete… Read More
2019-05-25 14:44
I love peaches. Every year, I look forward to May when the peaches on my tree are ripe and ready. While May might seem a little early for peaches, in the low desert garden, this is when th… Read More
2019-05-21 14:00
Do you love roses? I do. For those of you who have read my blog for a while, my love affair with roses is something that I like to share with others. Because my husband and I like… Read More
2019-05-18 19:44
Do you have a citrus tree in your garden? I do.
I have a ‘Meyer’ lemon and a ‘Trovita’ orange tree.
Growing up in California… Read More
2019-05-09 14:18
I am always on the lookout for new plants to the desert plant palette. Growers experiment with new varieties of more common plants in an attempt to find new colors, sizes, and more des… Read More
2019-04-22 14:17
Learning about the natural world and how it works is one of the joys of being a child. I was reminded of this fact the other day with my grandson, Eric. He came over for a visit after presc… Read More
2019-04-17 14:00
‘Tangerine Beauty’ Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata ‘Tangerine Beauty’)
Spring in the desert is the most beautiful time of year with the majority of plants in the land… Read More
2019-03-28 04:50
Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatoni)
Have you ever noticed that spring has a way of surprising you in the garden? That is indeed the thought that I had earlier this week as I walked… Read More
2019-03-18 13:00
For my longtime followers, you may have noticed that I haven’t been blogging as regularly as before. Well, I am excited to tell you the reason why.
But first, a little background. I he… Read More
2019-03-09 14:38
Old creosote roots with air plants
Air plants are both unique in their shapes as well as their relatively easy care. You have undoubtedly seen these fun plants in all sorts of places… Read More
2019-02-22 14:30
Do you have a plant that DOESN’T bring you joy?
I do. There is one particular that has been bothering me for a while and I finally did something about it as I explain in the video… Read More
2019-02-13 18:27
Let’s face it, a winter landscape filled with frost-damaged plants isn’t the most attractive. During this time of year, I often find myself itching to grab my pruners and get rid… Read More
2019-02-07 14:13
One of the things that I enjoy about living in the Southwest are the beautiful outdoor spaces. In particular, I am struck by the color and beauty in the winter landscape.
Now, for those of… Read More
2019-01-31 13:00
Got brown and crispy plants? Put down your pruners if winter has not ended yet!
Are you having a hard time ignoring them the ugliness of the frost-damaged leaves? Or perhaps… Read More
2019-01-20 14:23
The past couple of months has been a period of busyness, a new look, and opportunities for me.
Normally in December, work in the garden slows down, which means that I have fewer landscape… Read More
2019-01-15 14:05
I am always looking for ways to help people on their desert garden journey and so I’m offering a FREE class on 5 reasons you are struggling with your desert garden.
As a horticulturis… Read More
2018-12-19 19:52
Olive Rose, one of David Austin’s recent introductions
Yesterday, the world lost a man who made a huge contribution to rose lovers all over the world. Called the ‘Godfather of En… Read More
2018-12-03 21:08
Let’s face it, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, BUT it can also be the most stressful. Particularly when trying to find the right gift for friends and family… Read More
2018-11-29 14:11
In preparation for the holiday season, I am re-opening access to “Through the Garden Gate” for only 48-hours!!!
This is a makes a wonderful gift for yourself or the special… Read More
2018-11-13 13:33
Have you ever renovated the interior of your house? Seeing the old, outdated elements peeled away and replaced with new paint, flooring, etc. can leave you feeling refreshed and even excite… Read More
2018-11-05 14:05
Fall is my favorite season of the year and so it stands to reason, pumpkins play a big part in both my garden, crafts, fall decor, and food!
A few years ago, I visited an Atlanta garden whe… Read More
2018-10-18 14:10
UPDATE: This blog post originally was published six-years-ago, and I still like to grow vegetables in pots. It’s hard to believe that my garden helper is now 16 years old and driving a… Read More
2018-10-08 13:30
Do you have windows that face outward toward a view that you would rather not see? Perhaps it is the view of the house next door or a bare wall, or maybe you need some protection… Read More
2018-09-28 19:16
Hello Everyone!
I so happy to have seen so many people enter the giveaway for this book, Practical Organic Gardening, by Mark Highland. The timing of this giveaway is great as fall is an id… Read More
2018-09-20 18:23
Organic gardening isn’t just a popular trend; it is a better way to garden. When you think about it, gardening is all about nature – from adding new plants to watching them grow… Read More
2018-09-05 13:12
Creating an attractive garden in the desert can be a daunting task, especially in such a different climate with the unique challenges of blistering heat and dryness “where plants go t… Read More
2018-08-29 15:05
Creating an attractive garden in the desert can seem overwhelming with our dry climate and intensely hot summers that seemingly last forever. Can anything green and pretty grow in a b… Read More
2018-08-11 14:52
I’m back with design notes from the field, where I share observations and recommendations from my work as a landscape consultant. This edition features a new build, metal art, weeds… Read More
2018-08-05 19:50
I must admit that I don’t spend much time outside in my garden in August as I quickly become a sweaty mess and the heat sucks out all my energy. So, I turn to other pursuits to occupy… Read More
2018-07-25 14:00
One area that many homeowners struggle with is what to plant in their side yards. It can be an awkward place with little sun and not much room for plants to grow. Most of these narrow spaces… Read More
2018-07-16 14:05
I am always on the lookout for new and different ways that gardens are designed and the materials that they use. Recently, I was scheduled to teach a class at the Desert Botanical Garden… Read More
2018-07-09 14:06
Our desert tortoise, Aesop, has been a fun addition to our life ever since we adopted him three years ago. He typically becomes quite active beginning in June, after a very long winter&rsqu&helli…Read More
2018-07-02 14:17
Have you noticed that landscapes around parking lots and shopping malls look somewhat lackluster? This is often due to a combination of over-pruning, over-planting, and the wrong plant in t… Read More
2018-06-27 14:06
*This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support in this way.*
Do you… Read More
2018-06-17 14:51
Do you have a patch of lawn in your garden? It can be a cumbersome task to keep a grassy area green and healthy, not to mention weed-free. To keep it this way often means applications of &l&helli…Read More
2018-06-12 13:50
My favorite type of succulent are agave and while there are many different species, I’ll never forget the first one I ever grew. It was an octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana) that plan… Read More
2018-06-03 15:03
A boot planter adds a touch of whimsy to a patio table.
I am always on the lookout for new ideas to use in outdoor spaces and on a recent trip to Austin, Texas, I toured 17 different gardens… Read More
2018-05-27 12:36
Is your landscape style more free-form and natural or do you embrace a more modern, contemporary kind of garden with straight lines and right angles? On a recent visit to Austin, I had the… Read More
2018-05-23 12:03
I like quirky things that are unexpected and outside the daily ‘normalness’ in our lives. That is why I have fallen in love with the city of Austin, Texas, which prides itself o… Read More
2018-05-19 13:20
I love English gardens with their lush greenery, colorful blooms, and somewhat untidy appearance, which may be due to my partial English ancestry. While I don’t make it to the Br… Read More
2018-05-16 13:02
I am a self-professed lover of roses and rejoice whenever I come across rose bushes that are thriving in our hot, arid climate and I also enjoy unexpected discoveries in the garden. On a re… Read More
2018-04-30 13:33
San Marcos hibiscus (Gossypium harknessii)
I always enjoy seeing well-designed landscapes that make use of many of my favorite arid-adapted plants. A couple of months ago, I had the opportun… Read More
2018-04-27 13:51
I adore roses. For those who have followed me for a while, this comes as no surprise. I’ve grown roses for almost thirty years, and they are the one plant responsible for inspiring me… Read More
2018-04-23 13:22
I am always on the lookout for design inspiration, seeing how others create beauty in the garden so that I can help inspire you with your outdoor spaces. So, here are some design notes from… Read More
2018-04-19 18:35
When you ask most people what they want in their garden, their most common answer is, “color”. One of the best plants that I like to recommend for warm-season color is coral fou… Read More
2018-04-15 13:19
My garden has been transformed with yellow showers of flowers, courtesy of my palo verde trees. It’s a delightful time of year with warm spring temperatures and colorful landscapes fi… Read More
2018-04-10 13:09
Lovely clematis flowers
Do you ever find yourself transfixed by a pretty face (flower)? I have. In fact, I’ve rarely seen a flower that I didn’t like. However, sometimes it&rsquo&hell…Read More
2018-03-26 14:40
Cereus cactus, golden barrel cactus, and firecracker penstemon
Is your outdoor space looking rather drab? If so, you aren’t alone – many landscapes can appear somewhat dull, espe… Read More
2018-03-22 14:23
Please join me in congratulating Lori J. who won the giveaway.
She will receive a free copy of Maureen Gilmer’s book, The Colorful Dry Garden.
Thanks to everyone who enter… Read More
2018-03-20 16:55
For those of us who live in the desert Southwest, we know that geography plays a huge part in what we can grow in our garden. Today’s post is by Alex, who talks about the different fa… Read More
2018-03-15 18:32
I love using color in the garden, which is why I welcomed the opportunity to review the book, ‘The Colorful Dry Garden‘ and host a giveaway.
In my work as a horticulturist and l… Read More
2018-03-09 16:36
Javelina stepping out of an arroyo
Yesterday, I had a rather unexpected encounter with a javelina while taking pictures of a landscape. I think he was as surprised as I was to see him and he… Read More
2018-03-07 18:50
Sometimes, life isn’t fair. Especially when nature hasn’t endowed you with any noticeable outward beauty. What makes it worse is that you are a flower and supposed to be pretty… Read More
2018-03-02 02:15
As the garden begins to awaken in spring, our thoughts turn to getting our plants ready for the growing season, which often involves pruning.
There are different types of pruning, each of… Read More
2018-02-23 14:10
On a cold February morning, alongside my mother and sisters, I found myself at The Magnolia Silos, created and made famous by the much-loved hosts of HGTV’s ‘Fixer Upper’… Read More
2018-02-22 04:56
Palo Blanco (Acacia willardiana)
Today’s post is written by guest blogger, Emily, who writes about sustainable gardening.
Getting to landscape your own yard is exciting, and it can pro… Read More
2018-02-15 14:29
Plants can do some spectacular things, and the dramatic process when agave send up their flowering stalk, definitely qualifies. Yesterday, I noticed that my octopus agave (Agave vilmorinian… Read More
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