Prickly Pear

Can You Over Water Your Plants in the Desert ?

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As most would expect, water is considered a precious resource in the desert. But, did you know that there are more plant problems caused due to over-watering then under-watering?   Believe it or not, it is true. Most people are…
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Queen's Wreath, Coral Vine

Visions of Pink – One Pretty, One Amusing and the Other Unique

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I want to share with you three amazing plants that I encountered on Saturday, each with pink flowers, yet each one so different from the other.  I spent the afternoon at the Arboretum at Arizona State University (my alma mater). …
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the perfect plant

Read The Plant Label…Or You Might End Up With Cupcakes

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Has this happened to you?  You walk through the nursery, and you spot "the perfect plant."   You can envision it in your yard and know precisely where you will put it.   After coming home and planting it, you pat yourself…
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local nursery

A Children’s Flower Garden in a Kiddie Swimming Pool

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I'm sure most of you know how much fun it can be to garden with your kids.  I remember my dad building each of us a raised planter where we could grow vegetables and flowers.  Today, my kids and I went to the store to buy flowers…
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home improvement store

When To and When NOT to Plant Flowering Annuals

Each year, around the end of August, I walk into the plant section of our local home improvement store just to look at the colorful, flowering annuals While I may be sorely tempted,  I don't buy any; I just like to look. BUT,…
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Baja fairy duster

Baja Fairy Duster: Unique and Red

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Baja Fairy Duster is Hummingbird Food in the Native Garden Baja fairy duster (Calliandra californica) is a must-have for the desert garden.  There is so much to love about this shrub.   My favorite attribute is that…
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favorite plant combinations

What Plant Where? Beautiful Plant Combinations

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Discover Stunning Plant Combinations Do you ever wonder what plants look good together?  Below are pictures of some of my favorite plant combinations along with some general guidelines that I follow when designing a garden. Keep in mind…
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SonoranDesertlandscape

Why Do Cactus Have Spines ?

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What comes to mind when you think of cactus?   Perhaps the first thing you think of is the spines. If you have ever been unfortunate enough to have been pricked by a cactus, you'll likely never forget that most of them have…
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Firecracker Penstemon

Firecracker Penstemon: Orange-Red Spikes of Color

I got asked, what my favorite plant is.  Well, asking a horticulturist to tell you what her favorite plant is, is rather like asking a mother to tell you who her favorite child is - it's impossible. But when pressed, I breakdown…
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Purple Lilac Vine

Fall is Here! Time to Start Planting!

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The time has finally arrived!  Summer temperatures are but a memory and fall is here!  Every year we wait for the end of summer so we can start adding plants in the garden. The only question is what plants will I add? The possibilities…
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