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Hi, Desert Gardener,
I don't talk about ornamental grasses as much as I should, so let me start now with today's featured plant -- bamboo muhly. I first saw one at the Tucson Botanical Gardens and fell in love with its dramatic, billowing, lime-green foliage. It's not a true bamboo -- it's an Arizona native grass. This wild-looking plant apparently is not to everyoneβs taste, since Iβve heard it called the "Cousin Itt" plant. π
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If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's "Cool Summer Nights" for food, drinks, live music, & family activities. Saturday nights now through August. See the weekly theme & activity schedule here.
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In this week's newsletter, we cover:
- Featured plant: Bamboo muhly grass
- Free "must have" watering guide
- Know your ladybugs! π
- When is a plant "established"?
- What to do in the garden in June
- and more!
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Bamboo Muhly: Bamboo-Like Native Grass
Bamboo muhly looks like a small, lacy bamboo, but this elegant plant is actually a desert-hardy ornamental grass that lends a zen feel to desert gardens. Hereβs how to grow and care for this unusual Arizona native. Read more ββ
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"Must Have" Water Resource
Throughout my website, I mention the Landscape Watering by the Numbers flipbook as a "must have" for desert gardeners. The organization behind it, Water Use it Wisely, offers a free physical copy to residents of the Phoenix metro area. I decided to request a copy to see if they would send one to me in Tucson -- and I just got it! So if you prefer to have a physical copy, it looks like you can order one here, even if you live outside of Phoenix.
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June Gardening Guide
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. Get the details here ββ
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Important Garden Tip: Know Your Ladybugs! π
Everyone knows that ladybugs are the "good guys" you want to encourage in your garden, but would you recognize all four stages of their lifecycle? If not, you may inadvertently kill their eggs or larva. Learn how to recognize all four stages of ladybugs here.
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When Is a Desert Plant βEstablishedβ?
You may have heard that once a desert landscape plant is βestablished,β you can cut back on watering. But what does βestablishedβ mean? Learn the two best ways to determine when a plant is considered established. Read more ββ
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Upcoming Tucson Events
There are lots of interesting garden events and classes coming up soon! Upcoming highlights include:
* Pepper & Tomato Growing 101 @ Green Things Nursery (6/8)
* Free Succulent Saturday @ Four Arrows Garden (6/13)
* Highlighting Native Plants: Wolfberry @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners (6/9)
Check on the details and find more events in the Tucson Gardening Event Guide β
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes. Anyone can participate in these.
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Desert Quote
"What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in the remote." β Edward Abbey, author, environmental activist
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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 stop by the Southwest Gardener Facebook page where you can comment on this week's articles. Then please "like", "follow", or "share"!
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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