California bluebells and red flax One of spring's many joys are the fields of wildflowers that we often see growing along the side of the road.  It is one of the many miracles of nature how such lovely flowers can grow in the…

As summer begins to slowly fade and the heat begins to dissipate, the Southwestern garden comes alive. Plants perk up in the absence of 100+ degree temperatures and people begin to venture outdoors  (without their hats!) to…

Fertilize Cactus and Succulents in Containers Many of you appreciate the beauty and the low-maintenance of using succulents (including cactus) in containers Container filled with 'Sticks on Fire' Euphorbia and Elephant's Food (Portulacaria…

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take another photo of a landscape I passed by in a neighborhood where I had just finished up a landscape consultation. Sadly, I often see examples of truly 'interesting' or should I say 'bad' pruning.…

'Desert Museum' Palo Verde One of the most popular trees for arid climates is the 'Desert Museum' Palo Verde. Once you see one, it's easy to see why it is present in so many residential, commercial, and community areas. Its medium-green…

Have you ever had a sunburn?  Maybe a better question is, "Who hasn't?"   Well, did you know that many plants get too much as well? I recently made a house call for a client who was worried about her newly planted citrus trees. …

When people think about what a desert garden looks like, what comes to mind? Perhaps, visions of lots of brown with rocks and a cactus or two? While you can settle for rocks and some cacti, BUT the truth is, we can have so much more! Imagine…

Summers in the desert garden are hot. That's no surprise. However, there are periods within these hot months that temperatures climb higher than normal. Because of this, we do need to help protect our gardens from the effects of a heatwave. So,…

Have you ever seen the beauty of cactuses showcased in containers? Adding a cactus to a container helps to set it apart from the rest of the landscape and helps it to stand out so that its unique texture and shape really stand out. However,…