Hi, Desert Gardener!

It's hard to believe that it's December already. Every December, I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that:

• December in Tucson and Phoenix is the coldest month of the year (although just barely).
• By mid-month (December 10th), the evenings start getting longer. (Woot! I'm not a fan of long, dark evenings. How about you?)

This month there is still plenty you can do in the garden, but there's not much that you have to do. Be sure to check out December's monthly guide.

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This week's featured plant looks like it's been decorated for the holidays... by nature. Take a look and see if you don't agree.

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What you'll find in this week's newsletter:

• What to do in the garden in December
• Common mistakes that cause cold damage
• Is it time to remove tree stakes? Know for sure
• Featured plant: Peruvian apple cactus
• Upcoming gardening classes & events
• and more!

"Earth Shaking" Arborist Tip!

Are you unsure when it's time to remove tree stakes? My arborist told me this tip. Gently rock the trunk of your tree while observing the ground around it. If you can see the soil move when you rock the tree, the roots are not yet firmly established and you should leave the stakes. If the tree feels solid and the earth around it doesn't move, it's time to remove the stakes. (Learn how to properly stake trees in this University of Arizona publication.)

A Reader Asks:

"I'm planting a small raised bed that will contain lady slippers, and I want a companion plant that will bloom for pollinators that has the same light and water requirements. Do you have any recommendations?"

As a succulent, lady slippers need less water than many flowering plants, but here are a few that attract pollinators that are very low water use.
* desert milkweed​
* desert marigold​
* Parry's penstemon​
* firecracker penstemon​

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This was a great question that highlights the need to group plants with similar requirements - both in pots and in the ground. Not grouping plants with the same growing requirements is a common mistake. Recently, one of my "go to" nurseries planted several containers that contained ocotillos with Gregg's mist. Needless to say, combining an extremely low water use plant with a high water use plant didn't work out. They really should have known better. 🙄

Tucson Garden Events & Classes

There are always plenty of garden-related activities happening around Tucson. Upcoming highlights include:
​* 10 Steps to Better Citrus @ Pima Co. Master Gardeners
​* Free Succulent Saturday @ Four Arrows Garden Center
​* Poinsettia Care Tips @ Green Things

Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar →

Not in Tucson? Look for online classes denoted with this icon. 💻 You can participate in these no matter where you live.

Garden Quote

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." -- John Muir, conservationist

In Case You Missed It

​Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover​

​Are Those Weird Growths on Your Plants Witches' Broom?​

​Winter Watering Schedule​

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 Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".

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Keep growing and learning,
​Desert Dee