Globe mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) brings a unique "cottage-garden" feel to the desert plant palette along with some surprises. In spring a flush of beautiful flowers are produced that will cause people to stop in their tracks. After that,…

 Young saguaro cactus were peeking out from its bursage nurse plant. As you walk through the desert, there are many opportunities to view some of the striking cacti and their unique shapes.  What is not initially apparent,…

Exploring the Beauty of Prickly Cactus Do you like prickly cactus? I have a few favorites, one being the Santa-Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia violaceae var. santa rita). The color contrast of their blue-grey pads and the shades of purple…

There are some signs that summer is beginning to fade and that fall is around the corner.  The stress that the high temperatures of summer bring has caused many plants to slow down their growth.   However, the slightly…

  Iconic tree, Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida) When people think of the Sonoran desert, hillsides studded with saguaro cactus and cholla often come to mind.   But interspersed between the cactus, you will find the palo…

In the Desert Southwest, we are fortunate to be able to grow citrus.  In early fall, your citrus tree probably looks like the one pictured, with green fruit that is getting ready to ripen in this winter. It is time for the third…

The blooming of my desert willow tree (Chilopsis linearis), is beginning to slow down.  The leaves will fall in December.  However, there were a few lovely pink flowers left. Also, the recent monsoon storms have caused…

 Fall Rose, 'Double Delight' In the Desert Southwest, we are blessed with two different blooming seasons - spring and again in fall.   While two bloom seasons is generally one more than many regions experience, roses…

This beautiful plant is one of my favorite shrubs in the garden - so much so, that I have three.  Yellow bells produce bell-shaped flowers beginning in spring and lasting through the fall months until the first frost.  Hummingbirds…