Agave-parryi

Pups In The Garden…Not The Soft, Cuddly Kind

I am talking about Agave babies, which are known as 'pups'. Parry's Agave with small pup. I knew that my Parry's Agave, above, had a little pup growing.  I have been keeping my eye on it, letting it grow a little bit more before…
Strangely shaped cactus

What Planet Have I Landed On?

That was my first thought when I came out to Arizona as a young bride over 23 years ago.  Brown mountains, strangely shaped cactus and words like 'javelina', 'dust devil', 'haboob' and 'gila monster' that meant nothing to me were soon…
Bougainvillea

Is It Possible To Avoid The Winter Ugly Stage?

Do you ever wonder why some plants go through what I like to call the "Ugly Stage" of winter when they are covered with frost-damaged growth, while the exact same plant(s), located close by do not?  Is their any possible way to avoid this…
Graham Thomas

I’ve Made My Decision…

Okay, I realize that most of you have not been waiting with baited breath to see what three English Roses I have chosen.  But for those of you who have, here is what I have decided on.... Abraham Darby (Pink/Peach)Graham Thomas (Yellow)&William…
Rosebud

I Have a Confession To Make…

Favorite flowers, Mr. Lincoln My favorite hybrid tea I have a confession to make.... My favorite flowers in the whole world are roses.  Okay, that isn't my confession, but I will get to that later.  In my previous…
amateur photographer

No Snow….

It is rare that we receive any snow in the Phoenix metro area where I live.  I have enjoyed living vicariously through many of you who have posted pictures of your beautiful snowy wonderlands.   So, unlike many of you, I do not have any…
Parry's Penstemon

December Gardens Can Have Flowers and Lots of Color

Summer time brings a riot of color to our desert gardens, which are but a distant memory in December.  However, cooler temperatures do not mean that our gardens have to take a holiday.  In our desert climate, there are many plants that flower…
Christmas in desert

Christmas In The Desert….Tumbleweed, Cactus, Boulders And Washes

Christmas in the desert is much the same as it is around the world.  Christmas lights adorn homes and trees, with a few notable exceptions.  This is the desert after all....we sometimes do things a little differently. First of all,…
Firecracker Penstemon

December Blooms – Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day

Today was a beautiful, crisp day.  Temps are in the upper 50's and there are still flowers present in the garden. Firecracker Penstemon Hummingbirds just love the flowers.  Blooms will continue until late April. **I…
Evening-sky

Beautiful Desert Sunset…..Storm Clouds On The Horizon

For those of you who have been fortunate enough to experience a desert sunset, you know how beautiful they can be.  In fact, the desert is well known for it's spectacular sunsets. This photo was taken outside of my front door. …