Exploring the Largest Therapeutic Garden in Arizona
Discover Arizona’s Largest Therapeutic Garden in Bisbee. Explore healing outdoor spaces and inclusivity at this remarkable resource and heal your soul. On a recent visit to southeastern Arizona, I was invited to visit a special garden in Bisbee, a small community with a big heart.
The Significance of the Founder’s Garden
My husband and I visit Bisbee every spring and enjoy walking through the older part of town with its historic buildings and exploring the mining history.
A Healing Oasis in the Desert
During this visit, I was to speak about gardening to a community group and was given the opportunity to tour a recently completed garden. It gave me so much joy.
The Largest Therapeutic Garden in Arizona
So what is so special about this garden? Well, it is the largest therapeutic garden in Arizona. Its goal is to “serve as a space for our community partners—including hospitals, nonprofits, and other organizations—to incorporate into their services plans for individual and group therapy, day programs serving individuals with additional needs, and other forms of healing.”
Designing a Healing Outdoor Space
The garden is a 3.5-acre outdoor space designed by Norris Design of Tucson and was completed two years ago. That was plenty of time for the plants to become established and to get a feel of what the garden will look like as it continues to fill in.
We toured the garden with the CEO of Premier Alliances, and the history of its humble beginnings was fascinating to learn about.
A water feature that is safe to touch and feel while visitors enjoy the sound of water.
Promoting Healing and Inclusivity
In 1962, a group of mothers came together to find and create learning opportunities for their children with disabilities. Back then, few resources were available, so the women took matters into their own hands. They initially raised money by selling homemade cakes.
Over the years, the group evolved into Premier Alliances, which serves people with disabilities in southeastern Arizona. I love how the CEO, John Charley, refers to people with special needs as “People with additional needs.”
A with raised dots (Braille) for the sight-impaired.
Inclusivity Through Design
Throughout the garden are wide, winding paths taking visitors along landscape beds with plants that invite you to touch and feel.
Over the years, the group evolved into Premier Alliances, which serves people with disabilities in southeastern Arizona. I love how the CEO, John Charley, refers to people with special needs as “People with additional needs.”
The plants are drought and desert-adapted to handle the cold(er) winters of the high desert and hot summers. Many of the plants are found in low and mid-altitude gardens as well. All are meant as a therapeutic garden in Arizona.
New greenhouses are ready for growing projects.
Personal Perspective on Therapeutic Gardens
Gardens can be places of calm and healing. Unfortunately, not all gardens are accessible to people who may have limitations. It’s easy for people without special needs to be unaware of the obstacles that stand in the way of enjoying every day experiences, like parks or gardens.
As a parent of a daughter with “additional needs,” I know how important spaces like therapeutic gardens are and their function within the community.
The therapeutic effects of gardens are for everyone – they reduce stress and enable you to enjoy nature.
A river rock dry bed helps channel water during rain storms. Firecracker and Parry’s penstemon add welcome spring color.
Visiting Founder’s Garden in Bisbee
I encourage you to learn more about the Founder’s Garden in Bisbee and its resources. The garden is open to people with extra needs and the general public, Monday through Friday.
The entrance to Founder’s Garden
Click here to learn more about their mission and how you can visit the garden.
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Side yard art in the form of a garden? Yes please! Do you have a side garden or perhaps an empty stretch of landscape along the side of your house?
Many of my clients do, and they desire something attractive to look at when they look outside their windows. Because let’s face it – staring at a bare block wall is boring!
1. Outdoor Side Yard Art: Adding Colorful Flair to Your Walls
It could be that your side yard is narrow or super shady, which makes growing plants difficult.
Well, I’m here to share ample inspiration for your side yard with three ideas for you to consider.
Bring Your Garden Views Up to Eye Level
Imagine being able to add colorful art to your outdoor walls!
My friend Shawna Coronado has done that in her side garden with colorful prints specifically made to handle the outdoors. If you have boring walls and no space to add plants, an all-weather canvas is an excellent option for adding colorful interest. Or perhaps as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
Make Side Yard Art Creative
I love visiting her garden and how she uses her artist’s eye to create vibrant vignettes throughout her backyard. Shawna is a noted gardener and author who moved from Chicago to the deserts of Arizona several years ago. I’ve had the privilege to witness how she has embraced desert gardening, and she brings her unique style to her outdoor space.
2. Maximizing Space with Artful Raised Beds
Shawna loves plants as much as I do and has added galvanized steel raised beds along her entire side yard. The beds are powdered coated with a nice sage-green color which blends well with the desert garden palette.
A combination of succulents, perennials, and vegetables make their home in her raised beds. The narrow space can limit the sunlight plants receive for many side yards when planted in the ground. Using raised beds increases the amount of sunlight they receive.
I love this combination of agave, aloe, mangave, prickly pear, and yucca, which is low water and attractive. Ceramic garden fish appear to swim among underwater plants – I love whimsy like this in the garden!
3. Expanding Possibilities in Wide Side Yards
Reimagine your side yard as a canvas of possibilities. If you have a spacious side yard, seize the opportunity to transform it into a flourishing garden oasis with side yard art. Consider the practical elegance of raised beds lining both sides of this often-underutilized space, allowing you to make the most of your gardening potential.
With raised beds, you can cultivate a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers, turning your previously overlooked area into a vibrant green haven. But don’t stop there; infuse personality and charm with whimsical garden art, injecting life and creativity into every corner.
Your side yard has the potential to become a harmonious blend of artistry and agriculture, a true testament to the transformative power of outdoor spaces.
Click here to learn more about Shawna’s side garden gallery and where to purchase canvas prints, raised beds, and ceramic fish.
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Planting Own-Root Roses in the Desert: A Blooming Success Story
Have you seen roses growing in a desert garden? What about own-root roses?
When I talk with desert dwellers, many are convinced that roses cannot grow in our hot, dry climate. However, that just isn’t true. I experience a certain kind of joy when I share with them that they can grow roses in the desert.
I’ve done it since the early 90s, and roses are what began my desert garden journey.
Year-Round Rose Planting
Typically, when people think of planting roses in the desert, they think of winter because that’s when we can plant bare-root roses. But did you know we can plant roses at other times of the year?
Own-root roses expand the planting season, which can be planted in spring and fall.
The Allure of Own-Root Roses
So, what are own-root roses? Most roses are grafted, which means that the rose consists of two different rose plants (the above-ground part of the rose, which is grated onto the rootstock of another rose). In comparison, own-root roses are grown from cuttings and grow on their own roots.
Usually, you can purchase roses in three forms – bare-root, nursery container, and own-root. I’ve bought and grown roses successfully in all those forms in my garden.
However, I do have a preference for own-root vs. grafted roses for the following reasons:
They are hardier and live longer than grafted roses.
There is no danger of suckers from the rootstock growing and choking out the rose plant.
You aren’t restricted to winter-only planting.
They have healthier root systems than nursery-grown container grafted roses.
Tips for Planting Own-Root Roses
Spring and fall are great times to add own-root roses to your garden! It’s important to avoid planting roses in the summer because the intense heat makes if difficult for roses to become established.
So, if you are ready to enjoy the beauty of roses in your garden, here are some things to keep in mind:
Location for roses:
Plant in an area that receives approximately 5-6 hours of sunlight. Avoid west-facing exposures, which are stressful for roses. East-facing exposures are best or areas where there is afternoon shade. Roses can tolerate full sun all day as long as they aren’t close to places with reflected heat such as walls, sidewalks, or driveways.
Make sure there is room for the rose to grow – about 4 feet away from surrounding plants.
How to plant own root roses
Water your rose in its container thoroughly- you want the entire root ball to be wetted.
Dig a hole two 2 1/2 feet wide and about 2 feet deep. Amend the existing soil with 1 part compost mixed with 1 part existing soil. Then add a handful of bone meal and mix in. *You can add some worm castings (earthworm poop) to the planting hole if desired, which is beneficial to roses.
Once your soil mixture is ready in the large hole, create a smaller hole to fit your new own-root rose. Carefully remove the container from the rose and place it in the hole. Fill in the hole and tamp down the soil with your hands.
Water the rose deeply.
Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, such as bark chips, around the rose, extending 2 feet from the base of the rose. Avoid using landscape rock (gravel) up against the rose, which isn’t ideal.
In spring, water daily if temperatures are over 90 degrees. Otherwise, water every 3 days. You’ll soon see new growth forming.
Don’t fertilize your new rose right away – wait until they have produced their first flowers and then fertilize with an organic rose fertilizer in spring or early fall.
Where to Find Own-Root Roses
If you want to plant roses this spring (or fall), I recommend using own-root roses.
Most nurseries and mail-order rose growers don’t carry them. However, I’ve grown roses from Heirloom Roses which has a vast collection of own-root roses. In fact, that is the only type of rose they sell.
You will find many popular varieties of roses in all different forms – climbers, David Austin® roses, hybrid tea, floribundas, and more so that you can go about planting own-root roses in your garden.
They have a section of heat-tolerant roses for you to browse for the perfect one for your garden! Many of my favorites, such as Chicago Peace, Color Magic, Darcey Bussell, Mister Lincoln, and so many more, are listed.
Growing roses has brought me a lot of joy and I hope it does for you too!
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A Long-Awaited Gardening Book Birthday: Turning 18 Months of Dreams into Reality
Today – the big gardening book birthday – was a day long in coming…
In many ways, it was like a very long pregnancy. 18 months to be exact since my initial discussion with my editor about writing a book on desert gardening.
The journey from idea to book is filled with varying emotions. From excitement, stress, and impatience, to today when I feel pure happiness.
Writing a book is not easy. My reason for doing so is to inspire and guide people who live in dry climates. I want you to create and maintain an outdoor space that brings both joy and beauty.
Empowering Dry Climate Dwellers: Tips, Strategies, and More in ‘Dry Climate Gardening’
Within the pages of Dry Climate Gardening, I help you with specific garden and landscape strategies. I help with plant choice, planting tips, watering strategies, pest control, design inspiration, and lists of my favorite plants.
Wherever you are in your garden journey, I hope you will find help and ideas for your landscape. The truth is that you can have an attractive garden despite living in an arid region.
Dry Climate Gardening: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens in Low-Water Conditions is available now. Find the book everywhere books are sold. Click here to order yours and celebrate my gardening book birthday with me!
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Discovering the Beauty of the Purple Lilac Vine (Hardenbergia violacea)
In the midst of a colorless winter garden, a burst of vibrant beauty can be a delightful surprise. Explore the wonders of this wonderful purple vine, a lesser-known gem that thrives in the desert garden.
Embracing the Lilac Vine’s Versatility
Welcome to the world of the purple lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea), an Australian native cherished for its unique charm. While it’s not a true lilac, it serves as a wonderful substitute in regions like the low desert where traditional lilacs struggle to grow. Regular irrigation is important.
A Versatile Beauty
This versatile vine can be employed in various ways in your desert southwest garden. Traditionally used as a vine, it can also shine as a ground cover, as my experience from over 20 years ago demonstrated. Its adaptability is one of its key strengths.
Blooming in the Heart of Winter
One of the most remarkable attributes of the lilac vine is its winter bloom. In zone 9 gardens, February brings forth a profusion of gorgeous purple flowers, adding a touch of elegance when little else is in bloom.
Isn’t it beautiful?
This Australian native is known by different common names with lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea) being commonly used in our area of the Southwest.
It is not actually a lilac, but because we cannot grow lilacs in the low desert, this is a wonderful substitute.
My first experience using Purple Lilac was over 20 years ago when I used it in a feature area on one of the golf courses I worked for.
Although traditionally used as a vine, I used it as a ground cover; believe it or not, it did beautifully.
One of the best attributes of this vine is that it blooms during the winter month of February in our zone 9 gardens.
Now be honest, there is not much going on in your garden in winter, is there? Wouldn’t it be great to have gorgeous purple flowers blooming when little else is?
Reasons to Welcome this Winter Vine
Here are more reasons to consider introducing this lovely vine into your garden:
Winter Blossoms: Brighten up your garden during the colder months.
Year-Round Attractiveness: Even when not in bloom, the vine boasts appealing foliage.
Low Maintenance: Minimal care required; occasional pruning for size control and little need for supplemental fertilizer.
Vertical Growth: It thrives when provided with a trellis or support structure.
Ideal Placement: East or south-facing areas are especially suitable for this vine.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zone 9, it withstands typical winter temperatures but may suffer frost damage in the upper 20s°F.
Under normal winter temperatures, it doesn’t suffer frost damage.
Purple Lilac Vine Has Useful Appeal
The vine isn’t just about looks. It can serve as a decorative asset, transforming bare walls and concealing unattractive views with its lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
When people ask me if I recommend a particular plant, I tell them that the highest recommendation that I can give is is if I have that plant growing in my garden.
I do not have the patience to grow a plant that struggles and/or takes too much maintenance. It also has to look beautiful most of the year.
So if you ask me if I truly like this vine, I answer by saying that I have four growing in my backyard 🙂
Sourcing Your Purple Lilac Vine
While some may struggle to find this vine in local nurseries, fret not. Most nurseries typically stock them when they’re in full flower during the winter. It’s important to note that while the flowers resemble lilacs, they may not be strongly fragrant. However, their sheer beauty makes up for any lack of fragrance.
Discover the magic of this wonderful vine and infuse your winter garden with a burst of captivating color and charm. Happy gardening!
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I have picked up a new hobby, which was a bit accidental – birding!
As a horticulturist, birds go along with gardening, and I’ve always enjoyed them. One of my most requested speaking topics is about gardening for birds. However, I have begun to dive deeply into the fascinating birding world.
Birding is Fun with my Family
It may surprise you that the Southwest is one of the top bird-watching destinations. I am fortunate that there is a lovely riparian preserve a few miles from my home where you can see many different species of birds.
It turns out my two sisters also enjoy birding, so the other day, we met up early to go for a morning walk and explore the birds at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona.
This photo is of me and my sister Jennifer, who is a year younger than me. She is also the invaluable assistant to ‘AZ Plant Lady’ who would be nothing without her 🙂
It was a cold morning, but the birds were out, and so were we ready with our binoculars. The trails are level and circle eight different ponds. Trees and shrubs are allowed to grow in their natural shapes, providing plenty of shelter for birds, but we could see many in the trees and on the water.
We spotted the red of a Northern cardinal. I am always excited when I see one of these colorful birds because we don’t get many of them.
His mate was close by. Northern cardinals don’t migrate but stay in place all year.
We also spotted the orange breast of a robin but didn’t get a good photo of it.
An Anna’s hummingbird perched on the leafless branch of a shrub. His feathers are puffed up to help keep him warm. I am so grateful that we enjoy hummingbirds in our region all year. While we walked, we could hear hummingbirds everywhere.
From the tiny to the large, Canada geese gently honked as they saw us approach, hoping for food. We saw many other types of water birds, including pelicans – imagine pelicans in the desert! They leave in the summer.
A tiny verdin was busy eating tiny insects in a palo verde branch. I have a nesting pair of verdin in my own garden, and I love to watch their antics as they perch on my flowering shrubs. Verdins are just a little larger than hummingbirds.
A roadrunner was out for a morning walk, but earlier, we spotted it in a tree. Roadrunners are fun to watch, especially when they catch small lizards.
A curved bill thrasher was enjoying the morning with his mate. I have a pair that visits my bird feeder at home. I like their golden eyes.
My youngest sister, Grace, is a professional photographer and took all these amazing photos. She kindly let me share them with you! You can see more of her stunning photos on her Instagram account, The Reluctant Birder.
I can hardly wait for another ‘sister’ birding walk!
I encourage you to observe the birds who visit your garden or go to some natural areas to view our feathered friends.
I realize you are likely to find useful desert gardening info on my website, but what you may not know is that I love spending time in my kitchen and this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is to-die-for.
So, today’s post is about a favorite recipe, but there is a garden connection it’s made from pumpkins!
From baking to cooking, I enjoy both – especially around the holidays. I am going to share with you this very special family recipe for pumpkin bread.
A Pumpkin Bread Recipe Worth Sharing
I realize that you’ve probably had pumpkin bread before, but likely none as good as this one. Seriously, it is that good!
This pumpkin bread recipe has been praised by countless people who have been fortunate enough to have tasted it and beg me to reveal the recipe.
The Secret Ingredient: No Eggs!
One thing that makes it different (an a better texture) is that there are no eggs in the recipe. Why? I don’t know – but it makes all the difference with because it creates less of a ‘chewy’ texture. I’m not vegan, but this recipe is vegan.
This recipe came into the possession of my mother over 50 years ago. The author of the recipe has been forgotten over the years, but the source of the recipe is known. It came from a recipe book that contained recipes from the families from my preschool, in Woodland Hills, CA.
Sharing the Joy of Pumpkin Bread
I like to make it in mini-loaf pans and each recipe will make six loaves that I give away at Christmas to teachers, co-workers and neighbors. Every year, they look forward to more!
I encourage you to try out this recipe for yourself. It’s sure to make its way into your list of favorite recipes!
The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
3 cups granulated sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups canned pumpkin puree
2/3 cups water
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix for 2 minutes.
Spray 5 – 6 small loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the loaf pans so that they are approximately 1/2 – 2/3 full.
Bake for approx. 1 hour in a 300 degree oven – you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-minute intervals until done.
Let cool before removing from loaf pans.
Serve at room temperature or serve warm with a spread of cream cheese.
Delicious!
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Fall is my favorite time of year in the desert garden for two main reasons.
First, fall signals the beginning of the holiday season. And yes, I am one of those people who decorate for Christmas early. Thanksgiving dinner at my house is celebrated with a fully decorated tree in the background.
The Revival of the Desert Garden
Secondly, autumn marks a magical transformation in my garden, as it awakens from the trials of summer. It’s no secret that the scorching heat of the summer months can be taxing on our cherished green companions. However, the arrival of fall ushers in a series of remarkable changes that breathe new life into our botanical friends.
Lush and Vibrant
As keen observers of nature, we’ve likely noticed the remarkable resurgence of our plants during this season. The foliage appears lusher, the blooms more vibrant, and the overall health of our garden seems to rebound. It’s a phenomenon so profound that many desert gardeners affectionately dub autumn as the “second spring.”
This resurgence is no mere coincidence but rather a result of nature’s resilience and adaptation. As temperatures dip and daylight hours become more moderate, our plants find relief from the summer’s harsh extremes. They eagerly embrace this milder environment, seizing the opportunity to flourish once again.
Nurturing the Garden
In the desert, autumn isn’t just a season of change; it’s a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between gardeners and the natural world. It reminds us that, even in the harshest of climates, with patience and understanding, we can create and nurture thriving gardens that mirror the vitality and resilience of the desert itself.
Foliage Rejuvenation and Vibrant Blooms in Your Garden
Here are some of the differences you may see in your plants this time of year:
Darker foliage has replaced the sun-bleached appearance of some plants due to less intense sunlight.
Flowering increases and the blooms may also appear more intense in color due to less intensity from the sun.
Some plants only bloom in fall, like black dalea(Dalea frutescens), cascalote(Caesalpinia cacalaco), and my favorite pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris).
Showcasing the Fall Garden
In the section of my backyard, pictured above, pink muhly and white trailing lantana(Lantana montevidensis ‘Alba’) look especially vibrant in fall.
Pink trumpet vine(Podranea ricasoliana) dominates the back corner and blooms in spring and fall. I always know when cooler temps are on their way when they begin to bloom in September.
However, as autumn transitions into winter, the blooms in this area will slow and fade. A few hardy blooms may remain, but overall, the plants will slow down in their growth and flowering. The exception is my angelita daisies (Tetraneuris acaulis) which will bloom off and on through winter.
Discovering the Delights of Your Desert Garden
In the desert southwest landscape, where scorching sun and minimal rainfall summers challenge even the greenest thumbs, cultivating a thriving fall water-saving garden becomes a true art. Through careful planning and sustainable practices, enthusiasts uncover the secrets of nurturing vibrant cacti, resilient succulents, and colorful desert blooms.
What a joy to learn the delicate balance of conserving water while creating an oasis of life. Beyond the satisfaction of tending to nature’s wonders, desert gardening in the southwest unveils the beauty of resilient, sustainable, and breathtakingly unique landscapes. I invite you to take a walk through your garden and note the changes to your plants. This is a happy time of year in the garden!
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I’m pretty sure I know the answer to the dead plant mystery.
We have all likely experienced the death of a plant in our garden, and even though I am a horticulturist, I’m not immune.
Sometimes, plants die in my garden too.
The Perplexing Case of ‘Blue Bells’ Emu Bush
Here is a photo of my recently deceased ‘Blue Bells’ emu bush.
I was surprised to see that it had ‘kicked the bucket’ as its nearby neighbors were flourishing. Dead plants can tell a story.
So, the question I have to ask myself is, why did it die?
How to Figure Out Why a Plant Died in Your Garden
To determine why a plant died, here are some things to ascertain…
1. Recent Planting and Transplant Shock:
Was it planted recently? If so, it may not have had enough time to grow enough roots to survive summer. Transplant shock is a real thing.
2. Watering Issues Are a Concern:
Did it get enough water? Was the drip emitter plugged or broken? Sometimes we need to better educate ourselves on water irrigation.
3. Sun Exposure Extremes:
Was it planted in the wrong exposure? In other words, did it get too much sun or not enough? Both of these things can cause dead plants.
4. Climate Compatibility Can Cause Dead Plants:
Does the plant do well in our hot, desert climate? Or will it end up a dead plant because it is not built for the desert climate.
5. Pest Problems:
Were there any pest problems, such as ants around the roots or other unwelcome bugs? This can weaken the plant.
6. Overall Landscape Health:
Are identical plants in your landscape struggling too? If so, they might all be struggling due to a similar issue.
7. Soil Conditions are Important:
Is there a problem with the soil? Groupings of dead plants can sometimes indicate poor soil conditions.
Using these questions as guidelines, you’ll likely have the answer to why a plant has died.
However, in my case, the plant was a few years old, always did well, and the ‘Blue Bells’ nearby were thriving.
So, why did it die?
I don’t know…
Sometimes plants die, and we don’t know why. I realize this can be hard to accept without having the answer.
That is what happens in nature – things die, and we don’t always have the answers as to why.
In my particular case, I am replanting a new “Blue Bells” because I know it grows well for me in this spot. I ensured there were no unwelcome bugs in the soil and amended the soil with 1 part compost mixed with 1 part existing soil to give it a little ‘boost.’ You might find a different plant that works well for your garden.
I hope my new plant is happy…
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Now, when you see a plant that you like in a friend or neighbor’s yard, you probably ask them what it’s called.
My client was very proud of her shrub and called it Firecracker Bush. The problem is that two completely different plants called that name.
The Confusing Name Game
To complicate things further, this lovely shrub is also called ‘Fire Bush,’ ‘Scarlet Bush,’ and ‘Hummingbird Bush.’
Are you confused yet?
If so, you aren’t alone. Because plant names are confusing.
You see, common names for plants aren’t a reliable way to refer to plants – especially when you head out to the nursery for a particular plant. It’s a frequent mistake to come home with the wrong plant.
Embracing the Latin When Plant Names are Confusing
Botanical vs. Common Names
If you look at a plant label, you’ll notice that they come with two names – a common name and a botanical (Latin) name.
In this case, the plant’s botanical name above is Hamelia patens.
Why the Latin Matters
So, why do you need to know the Latin name of a plant? Obviously, it’s easier to pronounce the common name. But plant names are confusing, right?
Each particular plant has only ONE botanical name, unlike a common name that may refer to several different plants. Therefore, when you learn the botanical name, there won’t be any confusion about what plant it refers to.
Now, I realize it can be intimidating to try to pronounce Latin plant names. However, recognizing the botanical word for your desired plant will ensure that you are buying the right plant. Don’t worry, you don’t need to say it out loud – simply write it down.
The Beauty of Hamelia Patens
This lovely firecracker bush (Hamelia patens) has lush green foliage and produces red/orange flowers that hummingbirds love. It is cold hardy to 18 degrees F. and will suffer frost damage when temperatures dip into the 30’s, but recovers quickly in spring.
It has a naturally mounded shape and doesn’t require any shearing (no poodle-pruning). Firecracker bush grows to approximately 3-4 feet tall and wide.
In the desert garden, I find it does best in areas with filtered sunlight, making it a worthy addition to your garden.
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Firecracker_Bush_Hamelia_patens-copy.jpeg8101080arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2022-09-07 12:07:542023-09-22 10:38:29Why Plant Names are Confusing
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A Special Therapeutic Garden in Arizona
Arizona, Arizona garden, desert gardening, Garden Travels, Landscape Design, Southwest gardenExploring the Largest Therapeutic Garden in Arizona
Discover Arizona’s Largest Therapeutic Garden in Bisbee. Explore healing outdoor spaces and inclusivity at this remarkable resource and heal your soul. On a recent visit to southeastern Arizona, I was invited to visit a special garden in Bisbee, a small community with a big heart.
The Significance of the Founder’s Garden
My husband and I visit Bisbee every spring and enjoy walking through the older part of town with its historic buildings and exploring the mining history.
A Healing Oasis in the Desert
During this visit, I was to speak about gardening to a community group and was given the opportunity to tour a recently completed garden. It gave me so much joy.
The Largest Therapeutic Garden in Arizona
So what is so special about this garden? Well, it is the largest therapeutic garden in Arizona. Its goal is to “serve as a space for our community partners—including hospitals, nonprofits, and other organizations—to incorporate into their services plans for individual and group therapy, day programs serving individuals with additional needs, and other forms of healing.”
Designing a Healing Outdoor Space
The garden is a 3.5-acre outdoor space designed by Norris Design of Tucson and was completed two years ago. That was plenty of time for the plants to become established and to get a feel of what the garden will look like as it continues to fill in.
We toured the garden with the CEO of Premier Alliances, and the history of its humble beginnings was fascinating to learn about.
Promoting Healing and Inclusivity
In 1962, a group of mothers came together to find and create learning opportunities for their children with disabilities. Back then, few resources were available, so the women took matters into their own hands. They initially raised money by selling homemade cakes.
Over the years, the group evolved into Premier Alliances, which serves people with disabilities in southeastern Arizona. I love how the CEO, John Charley, refers to people with special needs as “People with additional needs.”
Inclusivity Through Design
Throughout the garden are wide, winding paths taking visitors along landscape beds with plants that invite you to touch and feel.
Over the years, the group evolved into Premier Alliances, which serves people with disabilities in southeastern Arizona. I love how the CEO, John Charley, refers to people with special needs as “People with additional needs.”
The plants are drought and desert-adapted to handle the cold(er) winters of the high desert and hot summers. Many of the plants are found in low and mid-altitude gardens as well. All are meant as a therapeutic garden in Arizona.
Personal Perspective on Therapeutic Gardens
Gardens can be places of calm and healing. Unfortunately, not all gardens are accessible to people who may have limitations. It’s easy for people without special needs to be unaware of the obstacles that stand in the way of enjoying every day experiences, like parks or gardens.
As a parent of a daughter with “additional needs,” I know how important spaces like therapeutic gardens are and their function within the community.
The therapeutic effects of gardens are for everyone – they reduce stress and enable you to enjoy nature.
Visiting Founder’s Garden in Bisbee
I encourage you to learn more about the Founder’s Garden in Bisbee and its resources. The garden is open to people with extra needs and the general public, Monday through Friday.
Click here to learn more about their mission and how you can visit the garden.
Transforming Your Side Yard: Three Inspiring Ideas
Agave, Arizona garden, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, Containers, desert gardening, Landscape Design, Las Vegas gardening, New Mexico garden, Southwest garden, Succulent GardeningElevate Your Side Yard with Creative Solutions
Side yard art in the form of a garden? Yes please! Do you have a side garden or perhaps an empty stretch of landscape along the side of your house?
Many of my clients do, and they desire something attractive to look at when they look outside their windows. Because let’s face it – staring at a bare block wall is boring!
1. Outdoor Side Yard Art: Adding Colorful Flair to Your Walls
It could be that your side yard is narrow or super shady, which makes growing plants difficult.
Well, I’m here to share ample inspiration for your side yard with three ideas for you to consider.
Bring Your Garden Views Up to Eye Level
Imagine being able to add colorful art to your outdoor walls!
My friend Shawna Coronado has done that in her side garden with colorful prints specifically made to handle the outdoors. If you have boring walls and no space to add plants, an all-weather canvas is an excellent option for adding colorful interest. Or perhaps as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
Make Side Yard Art Creative
I love visiting her garden and how she uses her artist’s eye to create vibrant vignettes throughout her backyard. Shawna is a noted gardener and author who moved from Chicago to the deserts of Arizona several years ago. I’ve had the privilege to witness how she has embraced desert gardening, and she brings her unique style to her outdoor space.
2. Maximizing Space with Artful Raised Beds
Shawna loves plants as much as I do and has added galvanized steel raised beds along her entire side yard. The beds are powdered coated with a nice sage-green color which blends well with the desert garden palette.
A combination of succulents, perennials, and vegetables make their home in her raised beds. The narrow space can limit the sunlight plants receive for many side yards when planted in the ground. Using raised beds increases the amount of sunlight they receive.
I love this combination of agave, aloe, mangave, prickly pear, and yucca, which is low water and attractive. Ceramic garden fish appear to swim among underwater plants – I love whimsy like this in the garden!
3. Expanding Possibilities in Wide Side Yards
Reimagine your side yard as a canvas of possibilities. If you have a spacious side yard, seize the opportunity to transform it into a flourishing garden oasis with side yard art. Consider the practical elegance of raised beds lining both sides of this often-underutilized space, allowing you to make the most of your gardening potential.
With raised beds, you can cultivate a variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers, turning your previously overlooked area into a vibrant green haven. But don’t stop there; infuse personality and charm with whimsical garden art, injecting life and creativity into every corner.
Your side yard has the potential to become a harmonious blend of artistry and agriculture, a true testament to the transformative power of outdoor spaces.
Click here to learn more about Shawna’s side garden gallery and where to purchase canvas prints, raised beds, and ceramic fish.
Spring Planting Own-Root Roses in the Desert Garden
desert gardening, Roses in the DesertPlanting Own-Root Roses in the Desert: A Blooming Success Story
Have you seen roses growing in a desert garden? What about own-root roses?
When I talk with desert dwellers, many are convinced that roses cannot grow in our hot, dry climate. However, that just isn’t true. I experience a certain kind of joy when I share with them that they can grow roses in the desert.
I’ve done it since the early 90s, and roses are what began my desert garden journey.
Year-Round Rose Planting
Typically, when people think of planting roses in the desert, they think of winter because that’s when we can plant bare-root roses. But did you know we can plant roses at other times of the year?
Own-root roses expand the planting season, which can be planted in spring and fall.
The Allure of Own-Root Roses
So, what are own-root roses? Most roses are grafted, which means that the rose consists of two different rose plants (the above-ground part of the rose, which is grated onto the rootstock of another rose). In comparison, own-root roses are grown from cuttings and grow on their own roots.
Usually, you can purchase roses in three forms – bare-root, nursery container, and own-root. I’ve bought and grown roses successfully in all those forms in my garden.
However, I do have a preference for own-root vs. grafted roses for the following reasons:
Tips for Planting Own-Root Roses
Spring and fall are great times to add own-root roses to your garden! It’s important to avoid planting roses in the summer because the intense heat makes if difficult for roses to become established.
So, if you are ready to enjoy the beauty of roses in your garden, here are some things to keep in mind:
Location for roses:
Plant in an area that receives approximately 5-6 hours of sunlight. Avoid west-facing exposures, which are stressful for roses. East-facing exposures are best or areas where there is afternoon shade. Roses can tolerate full sun all day as long as they aren’t close to places with reflected heat such as walls, sidewalks, or driveways.
Make sure there is room for the rose to grow – about 4 feet away from surrounding plants.
How to plant own root roses
Where to Find Own-Root Roses
If you want to plant roses this spring (or fall), I recommend using own-root roses.
Most nurseries and mail-order rose growers don’t carry them. However, I’ve grown roses from Heirloom Roses which has a vast collection of own-root roses. In fact, that is the only type of rose they sell.
You will find many popular varieties of roses in all different forms – climbers, David Austin® roses, hybrid tea, floribundas, and more so that you can go about planting own-root roses in your garden.
They have a section of heat-tolerant roses for you to browse for the perfect one for your garden! Many of my favorites, such as Chicago Peace, Color Magic, Darcey Bussell, Mister Lincoln, and so many more, are listed.
Growing roses has brought me a lot of joy and I hope it does for you too!
It’s My Book Birthday!
Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, Cactus/Succulents, California desert garden, desert gardening, Dry Climate Gardening Book, Landscape Design, Landscape Problems, Las Vegas gardening, Nevada garden, Southwest gardenA Long-Awaited Gardening Book Birthday: Turning 18 Months of Dreams into Reality
Today – the big gardening book birthday – was a day long in coming…
In many ways, it was like a very long pregnancy. 18 months to be exact since my initial discussion with my editor about writing a book on desert gardening.
The journey from idea to book is filled with varying emotions. From excitement, stress, and impatience, to today when I feel pure happiness.
Writing a book is not easy. My reason for doing so is to inspire and guide people who live in dry climates. I want you to create and maintain an outdoor space that brings both joy and beauty.
Empowering Dry Climate Dwellers: Tips, Strategies, and More in ‘Dry Climate Gardening’
Within the pages of Dry Climate Gardening, I help you with specific garden and landscape strategies. I help with plant choice, planting tips, watering strategies, pest control, design inspiration, and lists of my favorite plants.
Wherever you are in your garden journey, I hope you will find help and ideas for your landscape. The truth is that you can have an attractive garden despite living in an arid region.
Dry Climate Gardening: Creating Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens in Low-Water Conditions is available now. Find the book everywhere books are sold. Click here to order yours and celebrate my gardening book birthday with me!
A Lilac for the Desert? Another Great Lesser-Known Plant to Try
Arizona garden, California desert garden, desert gardening, Las Vegas gardening, VinesPurple lilac vine
Discovering the Beauty of the Purple Lilac Vine (Hardenbergia violacea)
In the midst of a colorless winter garden, a burst of vibrant beauty can be a delightful surprise. Explore the wonders of this wonderful purple vine, a lesser-known gem that thrives in the desert garden.
Embracing the Lilac Vine’s Versatility
Welcome to the world of the purple lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea), an Australian native cherished for its unique charm. While it’s not a true lilac, it serves as a wonderful substitute in regions like the low desert where traditional lilacs struggle to grow. Regular irrigation is important.
A Versatile Beauty
This versatile vine can be employed in various ways in your desert southwest garden. Traditionally used as a vine, it can also shine as a ground cover, as my experience from over 20 years ago demonstrated. Its adaptability is one of its key strengths.
Blooming in the Heart of Winter
One of the most remarkable attributes of the lilac vine is its winter bloom. In zone 9 gardens, February brings forth a profusion of gorgeous purple flowers, adding a touch of elegance when little else is in bloom.
Isn’t it beautiful?
This Australian native is known by different common names with lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea) being commonly used in our area of the Southwest.
It is not actually a lilac, but because we cannot grow lilacs in the low desert, this is a wonderful substitute.
My first experience using Purple Lilac was over 20 years ago when I used it in a feature area on one of the golf courses I worked for.
Although traditionally used as a vine, I used it as a ground cover; believe it or not, it did beautifully.
One of the best attributes of this vine is that it blooms during the winter month of February in our zone 9 gardens.
Now be honest, there is not much going on in your garden in winter, is there? Wouldn’t it be great to have gorgeous purple flowers blooming when little else is?
Reasons to Welcome this Winter Vine
Here are more reasons to consider introducing this lovely vine into your garden:
Under normal winter temperatures, it doesn’t suffer frost damage.
Purple Lilac Vine Has Useful Appeal
The vine isn’t just about looks. It can serve as a decorative asset, transforming bare walls and concealing unattractive views with its lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
When people ask me if I recommend a particular plant, I tell them that the highest recommendation that I can give is is if I have that plant growing in my garden.
I do not have the patience to grow a plant that struggles and/or takes too much maintenance. It also has to look beautiful most of the year.
So if you ask me if I truly like this vine, I answer by saying that I have four growing in my backyard 🙂
Sourcing Your Purple Lilac Vine
While some may struggle to find this vine in local nurseries, fret not. Most nurseries typically stock them when they’re in full flower during the winter. It’s important to note that while the flowers resemble lilacs, they may not be strongly fragrant. However, their sheer beauty makes up for any lack of fragrance.
Discover the magic of this wonderful vine and infuse your winter garden with a burst of captivating color and charm. Happy gardening!
Early Morning Birding Exploration
Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, az plant lady family, desert, Desert Animals, desert gardening, Hummingbird Gardening, Shrubs, Southwest garden, TreesI have picked up a new hobby, which was a bit accidental – birding!
As a horticulturist, birds go along with gardening, and I’ve always enjoyed them. One of my most requested speaking topics is about gardening for birds. However, I have begun to dive deeply into the fascinating birding world.
Birding is Fun with my Family
It may surprise you that the Southwest is one of the top bird-watching destinations. I am fortunate that there is a lovely riparian preserve a few miles from my home where you can see many different species of birds.
It turns out my two sisters also enjoy birding, so the other day, we met up early to go for a morning walk and explore the birds at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona.
This photo is of me and my sister Jennifer, who is a year younger than me. She is also the invaluable assistant to ‘AZ Plant Lady’ who would be nothing without her 🙂
It was a cold morning, but the birds were out, and so were we ready with our binoculars. The trails are level and circle eight different ponds. Trees and shrubs are allowed to grow in their natural shapes, providing plenty of shelter for birds, but we could see many in the trees and on the water.
We spotted the red of a Northern cardinal. I am always excited when I see one of these colorful birds because we don’t get many of them.
His mate was close by. Northern cardinals don’t migrate but stay in place all year.
We also spotted the orange breast of a robin but didn’t get a good photo of it.
An Anna’s hummingbird perched on the leafless branch of a shrub. His feathers are puffed up to help keep him warm. I am so grateful that we enjoy hummingbirds in our region all year. While we walked, we could hear hummingbirds everywhere.
From the tiny to the large, Canada geese gently honked as they saw us approach, hoping for food. We saw many other types of water birds, including pelicans – imagine pelicans in the desert! They leave in the summer.
A tiny verdin was busy eating tiny insects in a palo verde branch. I have a nesting pair of verdin in my own garden, and I love to watch their antics as they perch on my flowering shrubs. Verdins are just a little larger than hummingbirds.
A roadrunner was out for a morning walk, but earlier, we spotted it in a tree. Roadrunners are fun to watch, especially when they catch small lizards.
A curved bill thrasher was enjoying the morning with his mate. I have a pair that visits my bird feeder at home. I like their golden eyes.
My youngest sister, Grace, is a professional photographer and took all these amazing photos. She kindly let me share them with you! You can see more of her stunning photos on her Instagram account, The Reluctant Birder.
I can hardly wait for another ‘sister’ birding walk!
I encourage you to observe the birds who visit your garden or go to some natural areas to view our feathered friends.
The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe You’ve Ever Tasted
BakingA Family Pumpkin Bread Recipe with a Garden Twist
I realize you are likely to find useful desert gardening info on my website, but what you may not know is that I love spending time in my kitchen and this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is to-die-for.
So, today’s post is about a favorite recipe, but there is a garden connection it’s made from pumpkins!
From baking to cooking, I enjoy both – especially around the holidays. I am going to share with you this very special family recipe for pumpkin bread.
A Pumpkin Bread Recipe Worth Sharing
I realize that you’ve probably had pumpkin bread before, but likely none as good as this one. Seriously, it is that good!
This pumpkin bread recipe has been praised by countless people who have been fortunate enough to have tasted it and beg me to reveal the recipe.
The Secret Ingredient: No Eggs!
One thing that makes it different (an a better texture) is that there are no eggs in the recipe. Why? I don’t know – but it makes all the difference with because it creates less of a ‘chewy’ texture. I’m not vegan, but this recipe is vegan.
This recipe came into the possession of my mother over 50 years ago. The author of the recipe has been forgotten over the years, but the source of the recipe is known. It came from a recipe book that contained recipes from the families from my preschool, in Woodland Hills, CA.
Sharing the Joy of Pumpkin Bread
I like to make it in mini-loaf pans and each recipe will make six loaves that I give away at Christmas to teachers, co-workers and neighbors. Every year, they look forward to more!
I encourage you to try out this recipe for yourself. It’s sure to make its way into your list of favorite recipes!
The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix for 2 minutes.
Spray 5 – 6 small loaf pans with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the loaf pans so that they are approximately 1/2 – 2/3 full.
Bake for approx. 1 hour in a 300 degree oven – you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-minute intervals until done.
Let cool before removing from loaf pans.
Serve at room temperature or serve warm with a spread of cream cheese.
Delicious!
Fall in the Desert Garden
Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, desert gardening, Fall Blooming Plants, Ground Covers, Landscape Design, Shrubs, Southwest gardenEmbracing the Desert Garden in Fall
Fall is my favorite time of year in the desert garden for two main reasons.
First, fall signals the beginning of the holiday season. And yes, I am one of those people who decorate for Christmas early. Thanksgiving dinner at my house is celebrated with a fully decorated tree in the background.
The Revival of the Desert Garden
Secondly, autumn marks a magical transformation in my garden, as it awakens from the trials of summer. It’s no secret that the scorching heat of the summer months can be taxing on our cherished green companions. However, the arrival of fall ushers in a series of remarkable changes that breathe new life into our botanical friends.
Lush and Vibrant
As keen observers of nature, we’ve likely noticed the remarkable resurgence of our plants during this season. The foliage appears lusher, the blooms more vibrant, and the overall health of our garden seems to rebound. It’s a phenomenon so profound that many desert gardeners affectionately dub autumn as the “second spring.”
This resurgence is no mere coincidence but rather a result of nature’s resilience and adaptation. As temperatures dip and daylight hours become more moderate, our plants find relief from the summer’s harsh extremes. They eagerly embrace this milder environment, seizing the opportunity to flourish once again.
Nurturing the Garden
In the desert, autumn isn’t just a season of change; it’s a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between gardeners and the natural world. It reminds us that, even in the harshest of climates, with patience and understanding, we can create and nurture thriving gardens that mirror the vitality and resilience of the desert itself.
Foliage Rejuvenation and Vibrant Blooms in Your Garden
Here are some of the differences you may see in your plants this time of year:
Showcasing the Fall Garden
In the section of my backyard, pictured above, pink muhly and white trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis ‘Alba’) look especially vibrant in fall.
Pink trumpet vine (Podranea ricasoliana) dominates the back corner and blooms in spring and fall. I always know when cooler temps are on their way when they begin to bloom in September.
However, as autumn transitions into winter, the blooms in this area will slow and fade. A few hardy blooms may remain, but overall, the plants will slow down in their growth and flowering. The exception is my angelita daisies (Tetraneuris acaulis) which will bloom off and on through winter.
Discovering the Delights of Your Desert Garden
In the desert southwest landscape, where scorching sun and minimal rainfall summers challenge even the greenest thumbs, cultivating a thriving fall water-saving garden becomes a true art. Through careful planning and sustainable practices, enthusiasts uncover the secrets of nurturing vibrant cacti, resilient succulents, and colorful desert blooms.
What a joy to learn the delicate balance of conserving water while creating an oasis of life. Beyond the satisfaction of tending to nature’s wonders, desert gardening in the southwest unveils the beauty of resilient, sustainable, and breathtakingly unique landscapes. I invite you to take a walk through your garden and note the changes to your plants. This is a happy time of year in the garden!
Got Dead Plants?
Arizona garden, California desert garden, desert gardening, Landscape Problems, Las Vegas gardening, Shrubs, Southwest gardenUnderstanding the Mystery of Dead Plants
I’m pretty sure I know the answer to the dead plant mystery.
We have all likely experienced the death of a plant in our garden, and even though I am a horticulturist, I’m not immune.
Sometimes, plants die in my garden too.
The Perplexing Case of ‘Blue Bells’ Emu Bush
Here is a photo of my recently deceased ‘Blue Bells’ emu bush.
I was surprised to see that it had ‘kicked the bucket’ as its nearby neighbors were flourishing. Dead plants can tell a story.
So, the question I have to ask myself is, why did it die?
How to Figure Out Why a Plant Died in Your Garden
To determine why a plant died, here are some things to ascertain…
1. Recent Planting and Transplant Shock:
Was it planted recently? If so, it may not have had enough time to grow enough roots to survive summer. Transplant shock is a real thing.
2. Watering Issues Are a Concern:
Did it get enough water? Was the drip emitter plugged or broken? Sometimes we need to better educate ourselves on water irrigation.
3. Sun Exposure Extremes:
Was it planted in the wrong exposure? In other words, did it get too much sun or not enough? Both of these things can cause dead plants.
4. Climate Compatibility Can Cause Dead Plants:
Does the plant do well in our hot, desert climate? Or will it end up a dead plant because it is not built for the desert climate.
5. Pest Problems:
Were there any pest problems, such as ants around the roots or other unwelcome bugs? This can weaken the plant.
6. Overall Landscape Health:
Are identical plants in your landscape struggling too? If so, they might all be struggling due to a similar issue.
7. Soil Conditions are Important:
Is there a problem with the soil? Groupings of dead plants can sometimes indicate poor soil conditions.
Using these questions as guidelines, you’ll likely have the answer to why a plant has died.
However, in my case, the plant was a few years old, always did well, and the ‘Blue Bells’ nearby were thriving.
So, why did it die?
I don’t know…
Sometimes plants die, and we don’t know why. I realize this can be hard to accept without having the answer.
That is what happens in nature – things die, and we don’t always have the answers as to why.
In my particular case, I am replanting a new “Blue Bells” because I know it grows well for me in this spot. I ensured there were no unwelcome bugs in the soil and amended the soil with 1 part compost mixed with 1 part existing soil to give it a little ‘boost.’ You might find a different plant that works well for your garden.
I hope my new plant is happy…
Why Plant Names are Confusing
Arizona garden, AZ Plant Lady, California desert garden, desert gardening, Hummingbird Gardening, Las Vegas gardeningThe Common Name Conundrum
Isn’t this a pretty shrub?
I saw this flowering beauty at a client’s home.
Now, when you see a plant that you like in a friend or neighbor’s yard, you probably ask them what it’s called.
My client was very proud of her shrub and called it Firecracker Bush. The problem is that two completely different plants called that name.
The Confusing Name Game
To complicate things further, this lovely shrub is also called ‘Fire Bush,’ ‘Scarlet Bush,’ and ‘Hummingbird Bush.’
Are you confused yet?
If so, you aren’t alone. Because plant names are confusing.
You see, common names for plants aren’t a reliable way to refer to plants – especially when you head out to the nursery for a particular plant. It’s a frequent mistake to come home with the wrong plant.
Embracing the Latin When Plant Names are Confusing
Botanical vs. Common Names
If you look at a plant label, you’ll notice that they come with two names – a common name and a botanical (Latin) name.
In this case, the plant’s botanical name above is Hamelia patens.
Why the Latin Matters
So, why do you need to know the Latin name of a plant? Obviously, it’s easier to pronounce the common name. But plant names are confusing, right?
Each particular plant has only ONE botanical name, unlike a common name that may refer to several different plants. Therefore, when you learn the botanical name, there won’t be any confusion about what plant it refers to.
Now, I realize it can be intimidating to try to pronounce Latin plant names. However, recognizing the botanical word for your desired plant will ensure that you are buying the right plant. Don’t worry, you don’t need to say it out loud – simply write it down.
The Beauty of Hamelia Patens
This lovely firecracker bush (Hamelia patens) has lush green foliage and produces red/orange flowers that hummingbirds love. It is cold hardy to 18 degrees F. and will suffer frost damage when temperatures dip into the 30’s, but recovers quickly in spring.
It has a naturally mounded shape and doesn’t require any shearing (no poodle-pruning). Firecracker bush grows to approximately 3-4 feet tall and wide.
In the desert garden, I find it does best in areas with filtered sunlight, making it a worthy addition to your garden.