"Barbie doll pink" vine ๐ , shocking invasives ๐ฎ, cool or creepy? ๐ & more ๐ต๐
Published about 2 months agoย โขย 2 min read
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Hi, Desert Gardener!
We've been having a very pleasant spell of relatively "cool" weather (only in the 90s) and a few days with some rain. Amazing how a little relief makes plants so much happier. A few of my plants look the best they have all summer. I hope you had some relief where you live as well.
I recently noticed two clumps of fountain grass growing in my neighborhood's common areas. In several states, including Arizona, it's an invasive species. I eventually convinced our community's landscaper to remove them, but it was a struggle. So this week I've included an article on fountain grass and other invasive species that you might be growing intentionally or unintentionally. I think some of them may shock you.
What you'll find in this week's newsletter:
- Featured Plant: Queen's wreath vine
- Invasive landscape plants
- What's eating my leaves?
- What to do in the garden in July
- Upcoming gardening classes & events
- and more!
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Queenโs Wreath: Dazzling Desert Vine
Clusters of vibrant pink flowers and bright green heart-shaped leaves make this gorgeous Mexico native a show-stopper. It blooms from spring through the first frost, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
โRead more here โโ
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A Reader Asks
"Overnight something stripped most of the leaves off my Baja fairy duster but left a little pile at the base. What could have done this? How do I stop it?"โ
That sounds like the work of leafcutter ants. ๐๐๐They are truly fascinating insects that some people find cool and others find creepy. They bring leaves back to their nest, which they use to cultivate fungus as their food source. (Kind of like sauerkraut for bugs.) They have underground colonies that can go 8 feet deep and cover one acre! ๐ฎ
I find they usually go for one particular plant while bypassing others. As soon as I notice ant activity, I put a ring of Borax around the plant -- they won't cross it. Diatomaceous earth works, too.
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Invasive Desert Landscape Plants (Do Not Grow!)
Anyone who has lived in the southwest for some time has heard about invasive species such as buffelgrass and stinknet. But there are several landscape plants, including some extremely popular ones, that have been found to be invasive, too.
โRead more here โโ
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Tucson Garden Events & Classes
There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these classes and events coming up soon.
โ* Edible Landscaping @ Green Things
โ* Tasting History: Grapes @ Mission Gardens
โ* Hummingbird Gardening with Salvias @ Pima County Master Gardeners
If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out Tohono Chul's "Chillinโ at the Chul" for food, drinks, live music, & family activities. (Fri. & Sat. evenings through August.) Admission is free! ๐คฉ
Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar โ
Not in Tucson? Look for classes for everyone offered via Zoom.
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July: What to Do in the Garden This Month
July means the arrival of monsoon storms, which bring higher humidity and much-needed rain. Hereโs what garden tasks you should do, which to skip, and things to watch out for during this changeable month.
โLearn more here โโ
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Garden Quote
"My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece." - Claude Monet, artist
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Before You Go...
Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.
If you found this information helpful or interesting, please share it with friends! They can sign up for this newsletter here.
And please stop by the Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".
Keep growing and learning,
โDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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