Do you love hummingbirds? If asked, most people would say that these tiny birds are among their favorite bird species.
Anna’s Hummingbird whose head and throat are covered in pollen.
I always pause whatever I’m doing whenever I see a hummingbird nearby as I marvel at their small size along with their brilliant colors and flying antics.
Last weekend, I enjoyed an unforgettable experience observing and learning about hummingbirds at the annual Hummingbird Festival, in beautiful Sedona, Arizona.
At the festival, I gave two presentations on small space hummingbird gardening, showing people how they could create a mini-hummingbird garden in a container.
When I wasn’t speaking, I was enjoying the garden tour, visiting local hummingbird gardens along with attending other lectures given by noted hummingbird experts.
While there were wonderful events throughout the weekend, this was one particular event that I’ll never forget.
Immature Male Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Imagine being able to observe hummingbirds up close being banded and re-released. It really is as incredible as it sounds! In fact, I was able to hold and release a hummingbird myself!
So, what is hummingbird banding?
Hummingbirds are captured, tagged and re-released and is done to track hummingbird migration, the age and health of hummingbirds.
Mature Black-Chinned Hummingbird
This hummingbird banding site was located in the backyard of a home in Sedona.
Multiple hummingbird feeders are set out to attract a large number of hummingbirds.
A few of the feeders are inside of cages with openings for hummingbirds to enter.
A hummingbird enters to feed from the feeder.
Each little hummer is carefully put into a mesh bag in order to safely transport it to the nearby table to be examined and banded.
It’s important to note this process does no harm to them and it is a very quick.
The tools needed for banding hummingbirds.
The birds are carefully removed from the bag and the process begins.
Young male Anna’s hummingbird.
They are carefully inspected for general health and to identify the species of hummingbird. On this day – Anna’s, Black-Chinned and Costa’s hummingbirds were seen.
Measurements of the beak and feathers are taken to determine the age.
Feathers on the underside are softly blown with a straw in order to see how much (or how little) fat a hummingbird has. A little fat indicates that a hummingbird is getting ready to migrate.
Special eyewear is required for the banders to see what they are doing with these tiny birds.
For the banding process itself, hummingbirds are placed in a nylon stocking so that one of their legs is more easily manipulated.
The small band is carefully placed on the leg.
As you might expect, it isn’t easy to band hummingbirds because of their tiny size – the bands themselves are so small that they fit around a toothpick. In fact, hummingbird banding is a highly specialized job and there are only 150 people in the U.S. who have permits allowing them to band hummingbirds.
After the banding has been done, hummingbirds are given a drink of sugar water before being released.
This hummingbird bander is from St. Louis, MO and was so excited to see his first Costa’s hummingbird (which aren’t found where he lives).
For me, the most exciting part is when observers have the opportunity to hold and release the newly-banded hummingbirds.
The hummingbirds would sit for a few seconds in the palm of your hand before flying off.
Holding a hummingbird in your hand is as amazing as you would expect! The hummingbird that I released was a young black-chinned hummingbird that had hatched earlier this year.
One of the observers who got to release a hummingbird was a gentleman who was 100 years old + 1 month old!
How wonderful to be able to experience new things at that age 🙂
The garden where the banding was held was beautiful – especially with the backdrop of the red rocks of Sedona.
I must admit that I was equally split between observing the banding and watching the numerous hummingbirds feeding.
Can you tell how many hummingbirds are in the photo, above?
Seven!
I have got to add more hummingbird feeders to my own garden!
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I am so grateful to the folks at the Hummingbird Society who put on a wonderful festival. I enjoyed speaking and learning about these wonderful “flying jewels”.
The festival is held every other year in Sedona, AZ. There were over 1,000 attendees this year. I highly encourage you to consider attending this special event next year.
It’s hotter than he** (dare I use the word “hell”?) outside in June and while most desert dwellers can be found hibernating indoors enjoying air-conditioned temperatures in the 70’s – you’ll find a few of us darting outdoors to pick apples.
While parts of the country wait until late summer and on into early fall to harvest apples – June is apple harvesting time in the desert.
apple harvesting
Many people don’t realize that apple trees can grow in the desert Southwest – so do apricots, peaches and plums.
The key to growing these types of fruit trees is our relatively cold temperatures. They need a certain number of “chilling hours”, which are when temperatures are within 32 – 45 degrees F.
When summer temperatures are hovering in the 100+ range, it’s hard to recall what cold winter temperatures feel like, but it’s those chilly temps that make it possible to grow apple trees.
In the past years, I have harvested my apples from among the several apple trees located on the family farm.
But, not this year.
Three years ago, we transformed our side garden, creating a “potager”, which is a French term for a kitchen garden filled with fruits, herbs, vegetables alongside ornamental plants.
In the potager, we have the largest of our vegetable gardens, blackberry bushes, two peach trees, an orange tree and two apple trees.
The apple trees are located toward the end of the garden with the blackberry bushes growing against the wall.
This was what they looked like 1 1/2 years ago. Since then, they have grown quickly and are filled with apples, ready for us to pick.
Today, we will head out in the morning and pick our apples. There are so many growing, that I won’t need any from the family farm.
Normally, I make applesauce and an apple pie from apples. This year, I will make those but will add to it. We will also be making apple chips and apple sugar. Who knows? If we get a ton of apples, I may need to find more things to make with them.
My daughter, Ruthie, and niece, Sofie, will help me along with a very special friend who is their “orphanage sister”.
**Next time, I’ll share their special story along with all the goodies we make along with helpful links so you can make them yourself with apples from the supermarket.
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It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t. The sight of a butterfly makes us pause whatever we were doing and take a few moments to observe their fragile beauty.
Kids are even more entranced by butterflies. Every year, I take my kids to visit the Desert Botanical Garden’s butterfly exhibit where they can view them up close.
What if you could attract more butterflies to your garden? It’s not hard to do.
Adding plants to your garden that attract butterflies is also a great way to add both beauty to your outdoor space.
We are fortunate that there are countless plants that make butterfly gardening in the Southwest garden both fun and rewarding.
Like most of us, adult butterflies love lots of flowers.
While I enjoy seeing butterflies visiting my own garden, I’ve also had the privilege of designing a butterfly and hummingbird garden alongside a golf course a few years ago.
It’s so enjoyable to walk through the winding path and sit underneath the shade of palo verde trees and see the butterflies fluttering nearby.
So, would you like to create a garden that attracts butterflies?
You don’t have to do one on a large scale, adding a few plants or creating a container filled with butterfly-attracting plants is fun and easy to do.
To get started, here is a great resource with lists of plants that will attract butterflies to your Southwest garden. In addition, there is also a handy photographic guide to help you identify the butterflies who visit your garden.
**Do you have any plants in your garden that butterflies seem attracted to?**
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Did you enjoy eating leafy greens such as lettuce or spinach as a child?
I would eat a little salad, with some needed prodding from my mother, but I didn’t really enjoy it. Now, I love lettuce of all kinds and like to use a variety when I make my own salads.
Well, I may be older, but that doesn’t mean that my mother is finished with me yet. The other day she brought over some kale from her garden.
I must admit that I have been somewhat resistant to eating kale. I don’t have any good reason for it other than a deep-seated prejudice toward dark-green leafy greens.
Photo: Kale and Romaine Lettuce
My mother didn’t stop with just bringing freshly harvested kale over to my house. No, she actually made a delicious kale salad with lemon zest and olive oil dressing.
I was a little hesitant before I took my first bite. I realized that I really wanted to ‘grow-up’ and like kale and get rid of my ridiculous prejudice.
It turns out that I really did like it! So much so that I plan on growing my own.
It just goes to prove that mothers do know what’s best for us – even when we are all grown up 😉
I hope you have enjoyed my winter harvest blog posts. We’ve gone from broccolito new vegetables and covered how to get kids to like cauliflower.
Do you have a vegetable that you used to hate and now like to eat?
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I love to use plants that thrive in the desert Southwest.
But, I won’t use just any plant – it has to be drought tolerant, low-maintenance and add beauty to the landscape.
One of my favorites for adding spiky texture and great color contrast is desert spoon, also known as ‘sotol’.
It handles freezing temperatures, is evergreen and unlike agave, won’t die after it flowers.
I recently wrote about all the reasons that I like desert spoon along with ideas of how to use it in the landscape, which you can find in my latest article for Houzz.com
**By the way, there is just 5 days left to enter the giveaway I am hosting for Troy-Bilt’s most powerful, handheld blower. Click here to enter!
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Have you ever gardened in an area where spiny cacti, dry heat, and scorpions are common elements?
I was recently invited to be on the podcast, “Back to My Garden” where I shared some of the highs and lows of gardening in the desert along with some helpful tips.
So, if you are wanting to pick up some helpful tips on how to garden in the desert Southwest OR you just want to know what I sound like (just kidding), I invite you to listen to the “Back to My Garden” podcast, which you can listen on iTunes, or you can listen by clicking here.
I would be thrilled if you took a few minutes to listen. My hope is that you enjoy it and come away with an understanding that you really can grow a beautiful, drought-tolerant garden in the middle of the desert!
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It’s hard to believe that we have made it through another summer.
Oh, I realize that we have a few more weeks of 100+ degree weather, but whenever there is month that ends with the letters “ber” it just feels cooler to me.
I am gearing up for my favorite season in the garden. In my last post, I talked about the reasons why fall is the best time to add new plants to the Southwest landscape.
Today, I’d like to share with you three tips to help you make the most of your fall planting.
Photo: This planting hole is too small.
It all comes down to the hole. It’s hard to believe that often what determines a plant’s initial success is the size of the hole it is planted in.
If you are digging holes like the one above – then you may be in trouble. That hole is too narrow.
The ideal hole should be 3X as wide as the root ball.
Why?
Well, most of a plant’s roots grow outward into the soil. When they are placed in a hole like the one above, the recently loosened soil makes it much easier for roots to grow into, which helps the plant to establish much sooner.
*It’s important to note that the depth of the hole should be the same depth as the root ball or even a few inches shallower. This helps prevent problems from the dirt settling, which can leave your new plant sitting rather low in the soil where problems with becoming waterlogged can happen.
The big question – whether to add soil amendments or not?
When you go to your local nursery to buy new plants, you may be encouraged to buy soil amendments such as compost, potting soil or even manure.
The question is, do you really need it? Often you don’t.
I have planted thousands of plants throughout my career as a horticulturist and most of them without adding anything to the soil. The plants were healthy and did very well without any extra additions to the soil.
Here a few guidelines to follow to help you decide whether or not to add any amendments to the soil before planting.
– If your soil is well-drained AND your new plants are native to any of the desert regions of the United States, than the answer is “no”.
Native plants are adapted to growing in the nutrient poor soils of the desert and do best when nothing is added to the soil. In fact, if the soil is too fertile – you’ll often see green growth, but flowering will be decreased.
Photo: Valentine (Eremophila maculata), Feathery Cassia (Senna artemisoides) and Purple Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) planted without needing any soil amendments.
The same can be said of some non-native plants – particularly those from Australia such as Eremophila and Senna species.
So, are some times when adding soil amendments is a good idea?
Absolutely!
– If you have heavy clay soil or very sandy soils, than adding compost to the planting hole can help. Mixing compost in with clay soils help them to drain better. This is important because most plants that grow in the Southwest do best in well-drained soil.
Conversely, sandy soils have a hard time holding onto enough water, so compost helps those soils to hold onto more water. Add 1 part compost to 1 part native soil and mix together before planting.
– Amend the soil when planting non-native plants that do not originate from arid climates.
Plants like day lilies, iris, roses, etc. require fertile soil to grow their best. Amending the soil with compost, manure and other amendments will improve the soil texture, add small levels of nutrients and add beneficial microorganisms which will benefit your plants.
Plants such as these will need regular applications of fertilizer to do their best.
Personally, I like to grow what I like to call ‘fuss-free’ plants where I don’t have to add fertilizer with the exception of my roses.
Skip the fertilizer for newly planted plants. This tip is NOT always popular with some nurseries who often encourage the application of fertilizer at the time of planting.
So, let’s talk about when to add fertilizer.
– Most native plants will not need fertilizer ever. In fact, many can make their own fertilizer.
– For plants that do need fertilizer such as hibiscus, iris, roses, etc. – wait until you see new growth occurring before adding fertilizer.
The reason for this is that when you first add a new plant, it needs to concentrate on growing new roots in order to support future top growth (stems, branches and leaves). If you add fertilizer at the time of planting, you are forcing the plant to focus on the top growth before it has the roots to support it.
So, a general rule is to wait until you see new top growth before adding fertilizer.
– The rule for fruit trees is slightly different. It is recommended to wait until 1 year after planting before fertilizing.
Again, you may hear differently from your nursery who in addition to wanting you to be happy with your purchase, also has their bottom line (profits) in mind.
I am not including all nurseries or nursery professionals into this one group. However, I have visited nurseries where customers are told that they need to fertilize all their plants. Many of my clients are thrilled when I tell them to throw out their fertilizer because their native plants don’t need it.
*I remember a story from one of my horticulture professors who talked about standing in line behind a customer at the store with a cart filled with native, desert plants and another cart with ‘special’ fertilizers that they were encouraged to buy.
My professor loudly commented to her husband, standing next to her, that “Numerous studies have shown that fertilizer is a waste of money when used for native plants.”
So, are you ready to add some new plants to your landscape? Before you head out to the nursery, I invite you to come back for my next post, when I’ll share with you some tips on how to select healthy plants AND I will reveal to you what my favorite plant nursery is!
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I apologize for the relative lack of recent posts. Life has been very busy with the kids back in school, increased landscape consults and getting ready to go visit my daughter, Rachele, who is expecting. We will find in a few days whether we will be welcoming a boy or girl!
I have two biological children – both girls and my oldest daughter, Brittney, has a daughter. So, we will see if Rachele will break the pink trend in our family.
My son Kai (who is adopted from China) and has four sisters and a niece is really hoping for a boy 😉
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fallplantingsouthwestgarden-1.jpg6811024arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttps://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AZ-Plant-Lady-Logo-small.jpgarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-09-03 17:41:002022-11-04 03:37:033 Tips for Fall Planting Success
Fall is my favorite season because of the holidays, cooler weather, and best of all – it is the best time of year to add new plants to the landscape.
Now you may have thought that spring was the best time of year to start planting and while you certainly can plant then, I’ll tell you why fall is better…
Planting in fall allows enough time for plants to grow a good root system before the heat of the next summer arrives.
Think about it – plants must have a good root system so that they can soak up enough water to handle the stress from intense heat and the dry conditions of summer.
If a plant is planted just before or during the summer months, they are focused on just hanging on until temperatures cool off. In many cases, they don’t make it.
The only exception to fall planting is with frost-tender plants such as bougainvillea, lantana, and yellow bells.
Because young plants are particularly susceptible to frost damage, or even death, it is best to wait until the danger of frost has passed to add these plants to your landscape.
Over the next couple of posts, I’ll share with you some other helpful tips to help you with selecting plants, how to tell if they are healthy, the best way to dig a hole, and finally – I’ll reveal my favorite plant nursery!
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On a personal note, I am going to be a grandma again 🙂
My second-oldest daughter, Rachele, is having her first baby, and my husband and I are flying to California to be there when she gets her ultrasound and finds out if she is having a boy or girl!
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A few weeks ago, I was asked by one of my editors to come up with a list of the top 10 plants that every resident of the Southwest should consider adding to their Southwestern landscape.
I must admit that the task was a bit daunting at first – not because I couldn’t think of enough plants. The problem was that my list was much larger.
How Easy is it to Find Native Southwestern Landscape Plants at a Local Nursery?
I had to pare my list down and decided to focus on plants that would grow in zones 7 – 10, which cover much of the desert Southwest. In addition, they had to be low-maintenance, native, beautiful and easy to grow.
After considering all of the criteria, I still had about 20 plants. So, I added one other criteria of my own – how easy is it to find at your local nursery?
At the end, I had 10 plants that I was very happy with – but I could have easily added a lot more 😉
I hope you enjoy reading through this list of 10 essential plants for the desert Southwest.
Flourishing Amidst Adversity: 10 Resilient Plants in the Southwestern Landscape
The desert Southwest is a region of extremes, with scorching summer heat and chilling winter temperatures that challenge even the most robust flora. Yet, in the face of such harsh conditions, these native plants not only survive but thrive. Equipped with remarkable adaptations, these tenacious species call the arid landscapes of the U.S. Southwest their home.
Enduring the relentless dry heat and enduring the freezing winter cold, they serve as a testament to nature’s resilience. Beyond their endurance, these plants play a vital role in the ecosystem, providing nectar for birds and bees, and shelter for native bird species. Every one of these drought-resistant plants contributes to the desert’s beauty.
Embracing the Sun: Essential Care Tips for Desert Native Plants
To cultivate a thriving desert garden, sunlight is key. Native desert plants require full sun, although some tolerate partial shade for a portion of the day. Optimal growth is achieved through deep, infrequent watering and well-drained soil.
Allow water to penetrate down to 1½ to 2 feet deep, ensuring the soil dries out before rewatering. For irrigation efficiency, drip systems are recommended. While new plants need more water until established, these desert natives rarely require additional fertilization.
1. Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana): Thriving Delicacy of the Chihuahuan Desert
Delicate Flowers: The Charming Resilience of Damianita
Enduring the fiery extremes of the Chihuahuan desert, Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) emerges as a hardy and enchanting yellow ground cover (see above). Flourishing under full, reflected sun, this seemingly delicate plant showcases dark green, aromatic foliage, which undergoes a stunning transformation with the arrival of spring and fall.
Golden yellow flowers blanket the plant, adding a vibrant contrast to the arid landscape. Flourishing in well-drained soil, Damianita harmoniously complements the red flowers of firecracker penstemon and Valentine bush, as well as the purple blooms of desert ruellia.
2. Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii): Painting Winter with Vibrant Hues
A Symphony of Color: Firecracker Penstemon’s Winter Splendor
In the midst of winter’s muted tones, the firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) ignites low-desert gardens with bursts of orange-red brilliance. Serving as a beacon of color during the colder months, this drought-tolerant perennial offers vital nectar for hummingbirds in winter scarcity.
Adaptable to cold winters and scorching summers, firecracker penstemon’s vibrant presence is enhanced when paired with complementary yellow-flowering perennials. Angelita daisy, damianita, and desert marigold join forces in a chromatic display, thriving under full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.
3. Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens): A Dance of Life in Arid Lands
Nature’s Hummingbird Feeder: Ocotillo is a Migrating Hummingbird’s Favorite
Stretching towards the desert sky, ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) graces the Southwestern landscape with its elegant canes. Unique among shrubs, ocotillo’s canes burst forth with lush green leaves in response to rain showers and humidity, contrasting the arid surroundings (see photo right).
Vermilion-colored flowers crown the canes in spring, offering a lifeline to migrating hummingbirds. These vibrant blooms stand as a testament to ocotillo’s resilience and unwavering commitment to the desert ecosystem. A sun-soaked habitat is essential for this desert shrub’s growth.
4. Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi): Desert Elegance in Every Form
Sculpted Beauty: Parry’s Agave’s Role in Desert Aesthetics
Adorning the arid landscapes of central Arizona and New Mexico, Parry’s agave (Agave parryi) stands as a quintessential element of Southwestern scenery. Ranging from majestic giants to diminutive varieties, agaves exhibit a wide array of forms.
Parry’s agave, with its medium stature and captivating leaf shapes and colors, thrives in a spectrum of environments. Its resilience to colder temperatures and ability to thrive in sun-soaked spaces make it a preferred choice for desert landscaping.
5. Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens): The Majesty of Purple Blossoms
Nature’s Artist: Texas Ranger’s Purple Symphony
Residing in the heart of the Southwestern desert, the Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) commands attention with its awe-inspiring purple blooms. Aptly known as the barometer bush, it responds to humidity and rainfall, painting the landscape with its vibrant hues in response.
Even without its dramatic blossoms, the evergreen gray-green foliage of the Texas Ranger exudes an intrinsic charm. This resilient shrub’s ability to thrive under the unrelenting sun and reflected heat underscores its stature as a true desert gem.
6. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): Nature’s Respite in Summer
Shade of Summer: Desert Willow’s Cooling Elegance
Amidst the scorching summer of the southwestern landscape, the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) emerges as a refreshing oasis. This medium-sized deciduous tree enchants with its large, colorful blossoms that beckon hummingbirds from far and wide. (See the flowers in the image right)
Its vibrant pink and magenta flowers offer dappled shade to the plants below, providing relief from the desert’s intensity. Versatile and thornless, the desert willow thrives in smaller spaces, making it a charming addition to courtyards and patios.
7. Pink Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris): A Fall Color Explosion
Autumn’s Blush: Pink Muhly’s Dance of Color
The transition to fall heralds a breathtaking transformation as pink muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) takes the stage. Ornamental grasses provide texture and contrast in the landscape, and pink muhly stands out for its vibrant fall display.
As summer yields to autumn, the green foliage is adorned with plumes of pinkish-burgundy, casting a rosy enchantment over the surroundings. This ornamental grass thrives in the desert’s abundant sunlight and can be artfully clustered for a striking visual impact.
8. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora): Sun-Kissed Elegance
A Desert Gem: Red Yucca’s Sunlit Splendor
Thriving under the full, reflected sun of the desert, the red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) stands as a beacon of effortless beauty. Its succulent leaves bear a resemblance to ornamental grass, while spikes of coral-colored flowers grace the landscape in spring and early summer.
Adding a touch of elegance, the red yucca effortlessly weaves color and texture into the Southwestern tapestry, undeterred by the region’s demanding climate.
9. Santa Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia violaceae santa-rita): A Desert Icon
Nature’s Palette: Santa Rita Prickly Pear is a Must-Have for Shape and Design
The Southwestern landscape would be incomplete without the iconic presence of prickly pears. Among them, the Santa Rita prickly pear (Opuntia violaceae santa-rita) stands out with its captivating purple-tinged gray-blue pads.
Adapting its hue in response to drought and cold, it is a testament to nature’s artistry. Against this unique backdrop, yellow flowers burst forth in spring, amplifying the species’ beauty. Its distinctive appearance makes it a valuable choice for creating visual contrast in the garden.
10. Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans): A Long-Lasting Serenade
Golden Harmonies: Yellow Bells’ Melodic Bloom
Elevating the desert landscape with a touch of the exotic, yellow bells (Tecoma stans) exude a tropical charm. Their large, trumpet-shaped flowers bring shades of yellow to the arid backdrop, evoking a sense of warmth.
In a captivating display, these flowers bloom from the end of winter until just before the first frost, a resounding chorus of color for an extended period. Serving as a vital nectar source, yellow bells enrich the desert ecosystem, inviting hummingbirds and bees to partake in its golden bounty.
Plant These Native Plants in the Southwestern Landscape
The desert Southwestern landscape may present challenges, but these ten top native plants have evolved to not only endure but flourish amidst adversity. With adaptations that defy the elements, these species contribute to the intricate web of life in the desert, adding splashes of color and life to the arid landscape.
By embracing these resilient beauties, gardeners can cultivate oases of natural wonder in even the most unforgiving of terrains.
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This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
