At first glance, violet Silverleaf (Leucophyllum candid) may look like a nice gray shrub with a smattering of purple flowers. BUT, when you crank up the humidity and add some summer rain into the mix and it really explodes with…

Do you love roses?  I do. I used to have 40 roses in my Phoenix garden - I must admit that I went a little overboard.   Showing my sister a few of my roses back in the 90's Now my rose garden consists of three well-loved…

For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I sometimes write about the goings on in my life.  And so I begin the post with fair warning- if you are looking for gardening content - there will be some, but not…

Have you ever had something happen to you that was such a coincidence that it was hard to believe?  Recently, I had one such experience.  It all happened on a beautiful, sunny morning in August... But first, a little background: Those…

Are you experiencing drought where you live? You may be surprised to find that it is not only the West that is dealing with below average rainfall and its effects. If you take a look at the U.S. Drought Monitor's most recent drought map,…

Unique Plant Nursery Have you ever thought of a nursery as more than just a place to buy plants? How about one with secret corners where visitors are invited to sit and eat their lunch or read a book? Or have you visited a nursery…

Do you like to visit plant nurseries? I do - especially when I am traveling.  It is always nice to see what plants are popular in other areas. Last weekend, my husband and I made at trip to California to visit our daughter who…

Have you ever come upon an unexpected discovery? I did. Last week, my husband and I flew to Southern California for a visit with our second-oldest daughter, Rachele, who is stationed at a Navy base there. The purpose of our trip was…

Fall planting It's hard to believe that we have made it through another summer.     Oh, I realize that we have a few more weeks of 100+ degree weather, but whenever there is month that ends with the letters "ber" it just…