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 enjoy spending time outdoors this time of year, realizing that…

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 just beginning to fade and summer blooms are beginning to appear…

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 in the low to middle desert. As a horticulturist /…

Shopping for Succulents, Desert Botanical Garden Plant Sale I enjoy attending plant sales hosted by botanical gardens. Why? Because you can often find the newest plants (even hard to find ones) at them. Of course, you can also find…

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 your garden? Now before you say that you don't have…

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 grabbed my cell phone and took a picture of these funny-shaped…

Aren't these shrubs beautiful? Texas Sage 'Green Cloud' (Leucophyllum frutescens 'Green Cloud') Thunder Cloud Sage (Leucophyllum candidum 'Thunder Cloud') 'Rio Bravo' Sage (Leucophyllum langmaniae 'Rio Bravo') You…

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 bathroom counters. So, I decided to focus on using natural cleaners…

Photo: Landscape No-No Have you ever driven past a landscape that had some problems with it?  As a horticulturist and landscape consultant, my attention diverts whenever I see ‘Landscape No-No’s’ like this one. Awhile…