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"Weather Bingo" anyone? βοΈ, the sad truth about Texas rangers π , & more ππ΅
Published 6 days agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener,
A few weeks ago I mentioned "plant bingo" games. This week has been like playing "weather bingo" -- we've had some of everything. Depending on where you live, you may have had: record heat, prolonged drought, damaging winds, hail, dust storms, extreme lightning, and/or flooding. π± You may be nodding your head in agreement. It does get somewhat discouraging, but hang in there. It will get better.
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Have the Texas rangers (i.e., Texas sage) been blooming near you? This beloved desert shrub flowers in response to humidity. When in bloom, healthy specimens are jaw-droppingly gorgeous. But unfortunately, no shrub suffers more from landscaper abuse than Texas ranger, causing shrubs to be unhealthy, ugly, short-lived, and flower-less. (You'll find the solutions below.)
This week's featured plant, 'Little Lynn', is a compact cultivar developed by Tucson's Civano Growers. They assure me that no other Texas ranger flowers as frequently, and I've found this to be true in my yard.
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Last night a rattlesnake was "guarding" our community's mail boxes which got me thinking about snakes. You'll find a link below that may alleviate some of your fears.
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In this week's newsletter, we cover:
Featured plant: 'Little Lynn' Texas ranger
Why some Texas rangers don't bloom
Surprising snake stats!
What to do in the garden in August
Upcoming classes
and more!
βLittle Lynnβ: Compact, Prolific Texas Ranger
This cultivar is unique among the Texas rangers. It stays compact, requires little-to-no pruning, and blooms prolifically throughout the summer, regardless of rain or humidity. It has a delightful fragrance, too. βLearn more ββ
Worried About Snake Bites?
Snake bites are a genuine concern and you should always be cautious and treat snakes with respect. But Arizona has an undeserved reputation as being particularly dangerous snake-wise. In fact, it is not high on the list for snake bites. I was surprised to learn that you're more likely to get bit by a venomous snake in North Carolina than in Arizona or other Southwestern states. You can slice and dice the statistics at Snake Bite Statistics by State 2026.
Why Isnβt My Texas Ranger Blooming?
Texas rangers are extremely popular desert landscape shrubs. When they burst forth in flowers, they are spectacular! But when they fail to bloom, itβs disappointing. Learn why they donβt bloom and how to encourage yours to produce flowers. βLearn more ββ
Upcoming Tucson Events
Tucson's garden scene is picking up. Here are some of the highlights coming up soon: * Houseplant Pest Management 101 @ Green Things (8/10) * Designing a Serene Zen Desert Container Garden @ Tucson Botanical Garden (8/13) * Prickly Pear Harvest @ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (8/16)
If you live in Tucson or are visiting this summer, check out Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's "Cool Summer Nights" for food, drinks, & family fun. (Sat. evenings through August.) πΊπππ π
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes.Anyone can participate in these.
August Gardening Guide
August in the desert Southwest is a lively month of contrasts as sporadic storms can bring welcome rain and cool fronts, and beautiful sunsets. But it can also bring pests, floods, and damaging winds. Hereβs what tasks to do in the garden and problems to watch out for during this changeable month. βGet the details here ββ
Garden Quote
"He plants trees to benefit another generation." β Caecilius Statius, Roman comic poet
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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