Horticulture
Weathering the Storms
Plant damage from the storms? While we are beyond excited for the rain we have received over the last few weeks and have seen the Garden’s plants turning on their “green glow” from all the new growth, some of the plants didn’t do so well. Here are the top three things...
Fruits that Grow in the Desert
Common fruit trees like citrus and figs are forming fruits in May but there are many other desert plants producing edible fruits. These desert fruits produced are relished by desert animals such as birds, desert tortoises as well as people. Look for saguaro fruits...
Queen of the Night Cactus Flower and Her Hawk Moth
Following a perfumed path in the night, hawk moths in the desert of Southern Arizona find the queen of the night cactus blossom held aloft on what appears to be a dead stick. The skinny cactus stems grow from a large tuberous root that weighs more than 40 pounds. The...
Native Bees | The Unsung Heroes of the Desert
Spring brings an astounding display of desert wildflowers thanks to behind-the-scenes contributions of winter rains and native bees. Flowers rely on bee pollinators to create seeds for the next season’s blooms. Native bees' relationship with plants extends beyond...
Aloe, There!
April is Diversity Month–a time to recognize and celebrate the beauty of unique cultures, backgrounds and traditions. Today, we look at a plant used in numerous countries and cultures. It grows in several different areas of the Garden and, because it does well in so...
Sustainable Landscapes
Have you ever thought about creating a sustainable landscape? What is a sustainable landscape anyway? By definition according to American Society of Landscape Architects, “The design, construction and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without...
