Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
Sow spring wildflowers now π΅οΈ, pumpkin vs javelinas π π, & more π΅ π
Published 13 days agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener!
It's not too soon to start thinking about spring! Every spring, the desert southwest puts on a display of wildflowers so stunning it attracts visitors from around the world. If you'd like to grow these same flowers in your yard, now is the perfect time to sow seeds to have wildflowers in the spring.
π΅ π΅οΈ π΅
If this is your first Halloween in the desert, you might not know that javelinas love pumpkins! They seem to think we put them out just for their enjoyment. Don't let those naughty javies destroy your holiday decorations. See today's pumpkin-saving tips.
π π π
Today's featured plant is a stunning native penstemon that may be hard to find. However, Tucson's Spadefoot Nursery currently has them in stock. (Check here before you go, in case they've sold out.) Alternatively, you can order seeds online no matter where you live (info for ordering sees in the article).
What you'll find in this week's newsletter:
Featured plant: Palmer's penstemon
Pumpkin saving tips
Grow spring wildflowers the easy way
What to do in the garden in October
Upcoming gardening classes & events
and more!
Palmerβs Penstemon: Standout Wildflower
Attractive blue-green rosettes and 5 foot tall (!) lavender flower spikes make this native penstemon a standout. And unlike most other penstemons, its foliage is attractive even when its not in bloom. βRead more here β
Pumpkin Saving Tips!
Javelinas love pumpkins! If you have pumpkins on display, put them on a wall or pedestal or in an enclosed area, if you can. Or you can try spraying them with chili oil. One Arizona golf course found that spraying chili oil stopped javelinas from tearing up the turf and it might keep them away from your pumpkins, too.
The Easy Way to Grow Desert Wildflowers
Every spring, the desert southwest puts on a stunning display of wildflowers. You may have wished you could grow those flowers in your yard, but werenβt sure how to go about it. Or maybe youβve tried without success. Learn how to replicate that beauty in your garden with minimal effort. βRead more here β
Tucson Garden Events & Classes
There are always plenty of garden-related activities happening around Tucson. Upcoming highlights include: β* Sonoran Native Plants Guided Tour @ University of Arizona β* Plant Hybrids, Varieties, & Cultivars @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners β* Cool Weather Color @ Harlow Gardens
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes. You can participate in these no matter where you live.
October: What to Do in the Garden This Month
October is prime time for planting desert landscape plants. Hereβs a look at what you can plant this month, tips for taking care of your new plants, how to adjust your watering schedule, and more.
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
β