Hi, Desert Gardener,

This week many of us have gone from flooding to frying. It's crazy out there. 😵‍💫

The definition of a heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather when temperatures are significantly higher than the historical average. What we're experiencing now qualifies. Protect your plants with these Heat Wave Survival Tips.

🌵 🔥 🌵

There were a lot of questions about the mushrooms popping up in gardens this week, since their appearance is common after monsoon rains.

"Are they edible?"

"Are they a danger to my dogs?"

"Will they hurt my plants?"

"Is it true they're a sign of healthy soil?"

So I thought the subject of mushrooms and fungus in the soil warranted a new post. I think you'll find that what goes on beneath our feet to be absolutely fascinating!

🍄 🌦️ 🍄

I love measuring my local weather stats -- temperatures, humidity, and rain. But I've never gotten around to setting up an anemometer to measure wind speeds. So until I do, I use Willy Weather as my go-to source for tracking wind speeds near me.

You can get very local information -- down to your neighborhood. For example, Pima County (Tucson) is broken down not just into towns, but into hundreds of neighborhoods.

🌵 🌬️ 🌵

Have you ever heard of "plant bingo"? It's new to me, but suddenly it's everywhere. I've included one in the Upcoming Events just for fun.

You may win a plant. 🪴 Some events involve beer. 🍺 It's starting to sound more interesting... 😉

In this week's newsletter, we cover:

• Featured plant: Desert willow
• Got 'shrooms? What you need to know
• What to do in the garden the rest of this month
• Heat wave tips
• and more!

Amazing Fact!

Mushrooms are just the tip that we see -- most of the fungus lies underground. The living body of a fungus is called the mycelium, which is made up of tiny filaments called hyphae. Amazingly, a cup of native soil can contain over 60 miles of fungal hyphae!

Upcoming Tucson Events

It's a little quiet this month, but there are still some garden events and classes coming up soon:
* Sustainable Living 101 for Renters @ Wastewater Management Group (7/29)
* Plant Swap & Bingo @ Green Things (8/1)
* New to Vail? Let's Grow! @ Four Arrows Garden (8/1)

If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out $5 Fridays at Tucson Botanical Gardens (now through September). What a great deal! 🤩

Check on the details and find more events in the Tucson Gardening Event Guide →

Not in Tucson? Look for online classes. Anyone can participate in these.

Garden Quote

"Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." — Vivian Greene

In Case You Missed It

​Indian Fig: Impressive “Spineless” Cactus​

​Can You Water Plants with AC Condensate?

​Heat Wave Survival Tips for Desert Gardens

Before You Go...

Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.

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Keep growing and learning,
​Desert Dee