Mountain landscapes are famous for their autumn colors. This month’s column is merely a list of the best-colored plants you’ll find to plant in your backyard. Of course, there are more choices, especially if you include ornamental grasses and the mountain flowers that bloom through the end of the … [Read more...] about Choosing Autumn’s Top Ten Colored Shrubs
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Considering Screens and Hedges for Privacy
It was Robert Frost who said,“Good fences make good neighbors.” In today’s fast-paced, noisy world, we need more privacy. With-out it, we become moody, grumpy neighbors. Sometimes it is enough to define a line of demarcation along the boundary, so it’s always clear where your land ends and your … [Read more...] about Considering Screens and Hedges for Privacy
Creating Hummingbird, Butterfly Heavenly Gardens
Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and exotic creatures in the landscape. A butterfly garden is an easy way to see more butterflies and help them, since many local habitats have been lost to human activities like building homes and roads. It is easy to increase the number and variety of … [Read more...] about Creating Hummingbird, Butterfly Heavenly Gardens
Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Not all baby bunnies are cute, especially when they eat a new Euonymus to the ground, or wipe out those pretty pansies and tulips! Jackrabbits are born with a full coat of hair and open eyes, and only spend one day in the nest before beginning to forage. Cottontails are less precocious but may spend … [Read more...] about Identifying Plants Rabbits and Deer Dislike
Exploring Plants You Can Eat
Early spring brings a sense of rejuvenation, vitality and renewal; a revitalization that we gardeners see in our plants’ new leaves and blossoms. The season also generates activity in plants that produce edibles, especially those fruit trees that flourish in the higher elevations of Arizona. But … [Read more...] about Exploring Plants You Can Eat
Plants that Promote Better Sleep
There is no question that proper sleep hygiene is essential for optimal brain function. Perpetually debated is the precise number of hours we should sleep to feel our very best, a number that varies for mostly genetic reasons. Research has confirmed that there is an active correlative link … [Read more...] about Plants that Promote Better Sleep
Plant the Best Fall-Colored Trees Now
Not all trees are created equal when it comes to autumn colors, and this is their season. Autumn is also the ideal planting window for trees and tall shrubs. Increased garden success is achieved when plants are showing their colors. The days are cool and the soil is warm, so plants start with a … [Read more...] about Plant the Best Fall-Colored Trees Now
Creating Privacy with Head-High Hedges
Privacy and hedgerows are not top-of-mind until your neighbor dumps his leftover construction material for all to enjoy at the next backyard BBQ. My favorite is the super-sized motor home parked within feet of the property line that is now a chrome-covered albatross sitting between yards. We spend a … [Read more...] about Creating Privacy with Head-High Hedges
Planting the Hardiest Perennials in Local Gardens
Gardening may be one of America’s favorite hobbies, but it does have a downside. Imagine investing dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars redecorating your bedroom, only to have it crumble to ashes in less than a year! That is a good analogy to planting and nurturing a garden that withers away … [Read more...] about Planting the Hardiest Perennials in Local Gardens
Planting the Hardiest Perennials for Local Gardens
Gardening may be one of America's favorite hobbies, but it does have a downside. Imagine investing dozens of hours and hundreds of dollars redecorating your bedroom, only to have it crumble to ashes in less than a year! That is a good analogy to planting and nurturing a garden that withers away … [Read more...] about Planting the Hardiest Perennials for Local Gardens