The amazing ways rain is better for plants βοΈ , #1 desert annual ("last chance" to plant) πΈ , & more π΅π
Published 27 days agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
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Hi, Desert Gardener!
The month of June kicked off with a delightful surprise -- rain and much cooler temperatures! Southern Arizona hasn't had that much rain on June 1st since 1914! Isn't it great to break weather records in a good way for a change? I'm overjoyed that my previously empty rain barrel is full again.
I was pondering why plants always look so good after a rain. So I delved into the benefits of rain water over tap water, and what I learned turned out to be more interesting and complex than I would have imagined! π²
In this week's newsletter, we cover:
- Featured Plant: Madagascar Periwinkle (also known as "vinca")
- The one thing you can still plant in June
- 9 reasons desert plants love rain water
- What to do in the garden in June
- Upcoming gardening classes & events
- and more!
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Madagascar Periwinkle: Top Container Annual
Harlow Gardens, Tucsonβs oldest family-run nursery, reports that Madagascar periwinkle is consistently their top selling summer annual. Their customers love it because it flowers profusely all summer, has attractive green leaves, and can take the heat.
βRead more here ββ
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Last Chance Planting Tip!
June is too late to plant almost anything, but it's not too late to plant summer annuals like Madagascar periwinkle, provided you do it soon. For best results, it's highly recommended that you finish planting annuals by mid-June.
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9 Reasons Desert Plants Love the Rain
After a rain, plants perk up and look greener and brighter. Discover the amazing ways that rain water is better for your plants than tap water, and why desert plants especially love the rain. Be sure to check out reason #9. You'll never look at a rain drop in the same way again.
βLearn more here ββ
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A Reader Asks:
"Why do my roses have perfect circles cut out of the leaves. What can I do?"
Those circles are the work of leafcutter bees, which are native, non-aggressive, and important pollinators. They only cause minor cosmetic damage and will be done using your leaves soon anyway, so please let them "bee". Learn more about these amazing bees here.
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June: What to Do in the Garden This Month
The merciless heat and aridity of June make it the hardest month on plants and the most challenging for desert gardeners. Discover what you should and shouldnβt do in the garden this month, how to water, pests to watch out for, and more.
βLearn more here ββ
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Tucson Garden Events & Classes
There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these events and classes coming up soon.
* Shade Loving Plants @ Green Things
* Hydroponics & Aquaponics @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners
* Cool Desert Nights @ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (through August)
Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar β
Not in Tucson? Look for classes offered via Zoom.
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Garden Humor
"God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done."
- Anonymous
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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 new Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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