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Tree with fall color π π , when yellow leaves are normal, free cactus removal service π¨βπΎπ΅, & more π π΅
Published 6 days agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener,
Last week's storm was a record breaker. While we can always use the rain, it unfortunately came with flooding, property damage, and loss of plants. Sadly, a lot of cactus broke or fell down, including saguaros. If you lost a cactus, you might be unsure what to do next. Can it be saved? Should you pay to have it hauled away? Most gardeners hate seeing plants go to waste, and landscaper Damonich Meister decided to do something about it. He started Anita Cactus, a free cactus rescue and removal service. If you lost a cactus (or part of one), contact Damonich to see what can be done. Visit his Facebook page for more info, or call or text him at 440-850-1820. (Please be ready to send a picture of your plant.) The service area includes Tucson and beyond to Marana, Oro Valley, Oracle, Rita Ranch, Phoenix, and Sierra Vista. This is an incredible service that's a "Win Win" for people and plants.
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In this week's newsletter, we cover:
Featured plant: Arizona ash
Plants losing leaves?
What the heck is "semi-deciduous"?
What to do in the garden in November
Upcoming classes, & events
and more!
Arizona Ash: Golden Fall Leaves
This large shade tree has beautiful fall colors and is a boon to wildlife. Itβs native to much of the Southwest and can withstand the desertβs extreme temperatures. However, it's a riparian tree that needs a lot of water, especially when young. βLearn more ββ
A Reader Asks
"Some of my newly planted trees and shrubs are starting to turn yellow. It's still warm out and they've gotten plenty of water. Are they OK?"
First, kudos on getting your new plants in the ground in fall -- the best time of year to plant! While yellow leaves may indicate a problem at other times of year, it's pretty normal in the fall. Many desert shrubs and trees are deciduous (drop their leaves for winter) or semi-deciduous ("may" drop their leaves). This time of year, the main trigger for leaves changing color or dropping is shorter day length, not temperature or moisture. So, rest assured there's nothing you're doing wrong or that should be done.
What Are Semi-Deciduous Desert Plants?
Many desert plants are neither evergreen nor deciduous but are βsemi-deciduousβ. Learn what this means for you as a gardener, and how it helps desert plants adapt to harsh conditions. βLearn more ββ
Upcoming Tucson Events
Fall is prime time for garden-related activities happening around Tucson. Upcoming highlights include: * Understanding Fertilizers @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners (11/12, online) * Fuss-Free Desert Gardening @ Tucson Botanical Garden (11/13, online) * Sonoran Native Plants Guided Tour @ University of Arizona (11/15)
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes.Anyone can participate in these.
November: What to Do in the Desert Garden
November is a great month for planting cold-hardy plants and winter annualsβ¦ and for enjoying your garden! Hereβs a look at what you can plant this month, tasks you should forgo to help your plants get ready for winter, and more. βLearn more ββ
π November Activity Snapshot π
Hereβs a snapshot of the activities you can and/or should do this month and those you should skip.
"Without doubt, without hesitation, I choose gardening over the gym. I canβt stand going to the gym. It doesnβt appeal to me at all. Give me gardening every time." β Mary Berry, British food writer
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
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