Tag: landscaping
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Arabian Lilac
Vitex trifolia ‘Purpurea’ is an interesting small tree that could be used more often in the Phoenix area. Drought tolerant and fast growing, the arabian lilac looks nice in a wide range of situations. It has white bark and noticeably purple undersides to light green leaves. The leaves smell peppery when crushed. The visual effect…
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Seasonality and February blooms
The first spring flowers are here- Or rather the late winter flowers are here. This time of year is a little awkward in terms of seasonal color in the garden. All the warm weather flowers are quiet and the spring flowers haven’t quite woken up yet. We still have a few option though. The seasonality…
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Mailbox question: how to keep pots from drying out
Mailbox Question: Planting in the low desert has a steep learning curve for people who are more familiar with temperate climates. Obviously dealing with desert plants and our rocky soil and intense summer sun is going to be tricky when starting out; but setting up some annuals like petunias over the winter seems much more…
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Blue and purple flowers for spring
The desert is full of cheerful yellow color every spring due to the abundance of brittlebush, palo verde, and countless other daisies and ornamentals. These warm colors are great but they don’t fit every situation or garden, and sometimes we want contrast. These shrubs and annuals bloom during spring and potentially longer. Arizona bluebells –…
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Landscaping summer prep consults in Phoenix area
Did you lose plants last year or are you worried about your landscape this year for the hot season? Now scheduling $200 consultation including irrigation check + plant and soil health evaluation. A certified plant nursery professional gives advice on getting your plants through the summer heat. Improper watering and fertilizer application can cause plants…
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Spotlight: The Splendid Argentine Giant Cactus
If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will go its whole life believing it is stupid. So the saying goes. It means that different creatures have their own abilities and certain environments where they can thrive. Just like one person might excel in one situation and struggle very much…
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Spotlight: Tangerine Crossvine – vigorous, colorful, dependable
I’ve been using a fair amount of tangerine cross vine in my plantings, and it’s not a mystery why. I can make a compelling argument for planting it in Phoenix gardens with only a few basic facts. It seems like a good choice already for many back garden walls and sitting areas. But let me…
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Common Saguaro Problems
This has been a terrible year for saguaro in the Phoenix area, which is unfortunate because this grand cactus is a proud and unforgettable symbol of our desert home. There are many reasons to want a saguaro in your landscape. They are striking, they require very little maintenance, they provide a vertical accent, and they…
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Plants that don’t play well with drip systems
In Arizona we are lucky to have drip irrigation systems that keep our plants watered so we don’t have to worry. In the desert, many irrigation systems are initially programmed to water once a day. But some plants never adjust to daily waterings and never will. For some plants, daily watering could even be deadly.…
Paige Maloney | Arizona Landscape Designer 