Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
Why fall is better than spring, Mexican BOP π¦, removing glochids π«±πΌ, & more π΅π
Published about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Desert Gardener!
Happy October! This is one of the best months of the year for planting, but it's somewhat early since temperatures can still climb over 100. (It was 100 at my house yesterday.) So I'm taking my fall planting in stages. This week I divided and planted succulents since, unlike most plants, they prefer being planted in the heat. The warm soil temperatures encourage their root development.
π΅ π΅ π΅
Today's featured plant, Mexican bird of paradise, is one I greatly appreciate for its resilience. It thrives in the hottest, sunniest spot in my yard. It gets a double dose of reflected heat -- from my house and a west-facing wall -- but it never looks bedraggled and never stops blooming. (Don't confuse Mexican BOP with the other BOPS -- there's yellow, red, Phoenix, and tropical bird of paradise, too, and they all have more than one common name. It's a nomenclature nightmare! π)
What you'll find in this week's newsletter:
Featured plant: Mexican bird of paradise
5 reasons to plant in fall (not spring)
Tips for removing glochids
What to do in the garden in October
Upcoming gardening classes & events
and more!
Mexican Bird of Paradise: Tree of Perpetual Flowers
Mexican bird of paradise is a delightful, small and airy tree that stays green and flowers all year long. It may look lacy and delicate, but itβs a tough native of Texas and Mexico that is exceptionally heat tolerant. βRead more here ββ
Succulent Planting Tip
Counterintuitively, cactus, agaves, and other succulents should not be watered immediately after planting. Ideally, you should wait a week or two.
5 Reasons to Plant in the Fall (not Spring)
Until recently, spring and fall were considered the best times to plant. But thereβs been a change of heart among many experts, who now agree that fall is the best time of year to add new plants to your desert garden (with a few exceptions). βRead more here ββ
A Reader Asks:
I got a handful of glochids while working in my yard. Is there a secret to removing them?
Ouch! It's amazing how something so small can be so irritating. If I can see them and only have one or two, I start with tweezers and a magnifying glass. If that doesn't work (or I have several), I have two tricks. First, scrape your skin with the edge of a credit card using short, flicking motions. The sharpish edge often dislodges them.
If that doesn't work, cover the area with white glue (like Elmer's). Let it dry, then gently pull it off. The glochids should be embedded in the dried glue.
October: What to Do in the Garden This Month
October is prime time for planting desert landscape plants. Hereβs a look at what you can plant this month, tips for taking care of your new plants, how to adjust your watering schedule, and more.
There are loads of garden events, classes, and plant sales coming up soon. Upcoming highlights include: β* Getting Spring Wildflowers Started @ Pima County Master Gardeners β* Planting Your Fall Garden @ Tucson Botanical Garden β* Growing Orchids in Tucson @ Harlow Gardens
Be a successful desert gardener. Find everything you need to know to create and maintain a beautiful, carefree desert landscape in our weekly newsletter.
β