I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
Master Gardener Journal
Calendar of Events: by Deborah Moritz 3
Things to Expect & Do: Herb Tips for Spring by Mike Hills 7
Ask A Master Gardener: Elephant Tree by Judy Curtis 8
Better Landscape Design: Using Perennials in the Landscape by Sandra Turico 9
Water Feature: In Three Parts by Donna DiFrancesco 13
Sonoran Originals: Giving Back by Russ Buhrow 18
Plant Clinic: Echinopsis candicans by Kathleen Moore 21
Computer Corner: by Candice Sherrill 22
Real Gardens for Real People Tour by Stacy Pratt-Fischer 23
Maricopa County Master Gardeners: Cultivating Plants, People & Communities since 1980 Master Gardener volunteers are trained by University of Arizona faculty and staff during a 17-week course. They provide educational leadership to the community with research-based horticulture knowledge. Volunteers promote efficient use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, and preservation of our desert environment.
Creative Director: Janice Austin, [email protected], Managing Editor: Jo Cook, [email protected] Copy Editors: Linda Trujillo, Debora Moritz, Chris Jagmin, Julie Mitchell, Brin Edwards, SusanNoack.
The Master Gardener Journal, published 6 times a year by Maricopa Master Gardeners, is printed on recycled paper under the direction of the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85040-8807. Home page: http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden
Subscriptions: Available to the public for $18 for 6 issues. Rate for active Master Gardeners $15 or free online at http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/pubs/mgjournal.htm. Send name, mailing address, and a check payable to University of Arizona. Mail to: Maricopa County Cooperative Extension, ATTN: MG Journal Subscriptions, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85040-8807.
Northwest Valley Satellite location: Property Owners & Residents Association (PORA) Office 13815 Camino del Sol Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375. Phone 623-546-1672. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 pm Monday-Friday. East Valley Satellite location: East Mesa Multigenerational Center 7550 E. Adobe Rd., Mesa, AZ 85207. Phone 480-985-0338. Hours: 9 a.m.-noon, Mondays and Thursdays. Northeast Valley Satellite location: Via Linda Senior Center 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85258. Phone 480-312-5810. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Urban Horticulture Staff: Lucy K. Bradley, Extension Agent, 602-470-8086 Ext.323, [email protected]; Jo Cook, Program Coordinator, 602-470-8086 Ext. 311, [email protected]
Trade names given herein are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended by the University of Arizona, and no endorsement or criticism of similar products is implied.
Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, at all events sponsored by the University of Arizona. Call 602/470-8086. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
Cover Photos: (clockwise from top left) Aloe, Carol Stuttard; Agave, Carol Stuttard; Echinopsis candicans, Bob Reichard; Backyard landscape design, Kathleen Moore.. P L A N N I N G A H E A D
Calendar Of Events by Debora Moritz, Master Gardener
March 2005
3/5 Rainwater Harvesting your garden to keep your plants Daily beginning 3/1 (Except Easter 6:00 pm ‐ 8:30 pm healthy and beautiful. But if you are Sunday 3/27) Garden Walk 8:00 am Learn the basic principles of how to mystified about proper landscape – 8:00 pm. Desert Botanical Walk utilize rainwater in the landscape. watering, you are not alone. To through the Garden at your own City of Scottsdale landscape water properly you must know how pace and visit docents on the trails workshop, free to Scottsdale water many gallons are needed, how and at designated “Sensation customers. many hours to run your system, Stations” www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water Call how many days in between (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org. (480) 312‐Advance registration watering, and more. Learn to
required. “water by the numbers” to make 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 Desert Botanical your desert landscape a success. Garden 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm. Join 3/7 Understanding Soil and Its (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org docent “Cactus Jack” and walk Importance to Plant Health 9:00 am Workshop ‐ #SP05‐522 Member: $36 “back through time” when desert – 12:00 pm Desert Botanical / Non‐Member: $45 Limit 30. dwellers had to live off the land Gardens utilizing native plants for food, Baffled by the wide selection when tools, and building materials. The you go to the store to choose a tour concludes with sampling some fertilizer? Wonder what’s the best of the desert’s delectable foods. way to water your plants? In this (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org. workshop with Lucy Bradley,
University of Arizona Cooperative 3/1 Pruning Workshop 1:00 pm‐ Extension Urban Horticulture 4:00 pm. Desert Garden Institute, Agent, learn to identify the type of Learn how to properly prune your soil in your yard and what soil trees and shrubs to keep them amendments improve the health of healthy and happy. Instructor: your plants. Learn more about Danny Schnell. Registration fertilizers to help you make choices required. Cost $20. 4341 E. between organic and synthetic, Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ slow release, and deep feeding. Contact: Ainsley LaCour – Included in the price of the course is [email protected] or (602) a copy of the book, “Desert 470‐8086. Gardening for Beginners”. (480) 941‐
1225 www.dbg.org Member: $36 / 3/5 Introduction to Xeriscape Non‐Member: $45 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Instructor: Limit 30. 3/10 Pruning Trees and Shrubs Kent Newland City of Phoenix 6:00 pm ‐ 8:30 pm Landscape Workshop in 3/9 The Mysteries of Watering 6:00 Learn when to prune trees and partnership with the Desert – 9:00 pm. Desert Botanical Gardens shrubs with confidence. City of Botanical Gardens (480) 941‐1225 Unravel the mysteries of desert Scottsdale landscape workshop free www.dbg.org Refreshments and landscape watering with Donna to Scottsdale water customers. door prizes. Workshop ‐#SP05‐12 , DiFrancesco, Water Conservation www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water Call $10. Specialist with the City of Mesa. (480) 312‐5690. Advance registration
Watering is one of the most required.
important maintenance tasks in Calendar of Events Continued from previous page. 3/19 7:00 am – 5:00 pm 3/20 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Desert 3/10 Drip Irrigation and Yard Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Watering 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Sale Open to the Public No Learn the basics of designing, admission to enter. Garden installing and maintaining a drip or volunteers, horticulturists, and sprinkler system that will be water professional landscape designers efficient. Will cover how much, how are all on hand to answer questions, often and how long to water. assist in plant selections, and offer Southeast Regional Library, advice. There is also a used book Gilbert, AZ Contact: sale. Specialty retailers offer pottery [email protected] or and other delightful garden (480) 503‐6098 accessories. www.ci.gilbert.az.us/water www.dbg.org (480) 941‐1225. 3/12, 3/13 Tucson Botanical
Gardens Spring Plant Sale 3/12 Real Gardens for Real People 3/26 Container Gardening for 9:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm Garden Tour Spring. Desert Garden Institute Native and low water use plants for 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 9:00 am ‐ 12:00 pm. You can get big desert landscapes, featuring The Master Gardener results in small spaces. Learn the annuals, perennials, cacti, “Real Gardens for Real People” tricks of soil preparation, plant succulents and herbs. Docents will 4th annual tour will be in the selection and maintenance to enjoy be available to answer landscaping Glendale/Peoria area. Five exciting beautiful year round color. questions. Admission to the plant and interesting gardens, including a Instructor: Master Gardener Cherie sale is free. school desert habitat built with a Czaplicki. 4341 E. Broadway Road, www.tucsonbotanical.org Heritage Fund Grant, a Phoenix, AZ Cost $20 Registration hummingbird and butterfly garden, required. Contact: Ainsley LaCour 3/12‐3/27 Spring Plant Sale Boyce an organic pond with two at [email protected] or Thompson Arboretum 8:00 am – waterfalls, and a desert tortoise (602) 470‐8086. 4:00 pm daily, habitat. $15 per person registration The spring sale provides required. Contact Master 3/26 10th Annual Valley of the Sun Arboretum visitors with the Gardeners at Gardeners’ Garden Tour 8:00 am – opportunity to see mature species [email protected] or 4:00 pm Several private homeowner of plants throughout the grounds, (602) 470‐1556 gardens will be open to the public to meet representatives of the Pinal www.MasterGardenerEvents.com Cost $10 Tickets can be purchased and Gila Master Gardener at Baker Nursery, Tera’s Garden, programs and learn desert 3/12, 3/13 Tohono Chul Park Southwest Gardener and all landscaping tips appropriate to this Spring Plant Sale gardens on the tour. Listing at: region. Horticulturists on hand to 8:00 am ‐ 5:00 pm www.phoenixgardeners.org answer questions on weekends. During the Spring Plant Sale, the [email protected] or
Greenhouse nearly doubles its (623) 636‐6515. 3/15 Rejuvenate Your Landscape inventory to offer more than 500 6:00 pm ‐ 8:30 pm species of arid‐adapted and low‐ Use refreshing design ideas and tips water‐use plants, trees, shrubs, from landscape architect Judy cactus, succulents and wildflowers. Mielke to update the mature Plants are grouped by the ʺcrittersʺ landscape. City of Scottsdale they attract: butterflies, landscape workshop, free to hummingbirds, birds, etc. All plants Scottsdale water customers. are personally selected by our Water Operation Building, Curator of Plants, Russ Buhrow. 9312 N. 94th Street. www.tohonochulpark.org www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water Call
(480) 312‐Advance registration
required.
Calendar of Events Continued from previous page.
3/28, 3/31 Landscaping for Wildlife 4/9 Herb Festival 4/16 Living a ‘Green’ Lifestyle 6:00 – 9:00 pm Desert Botanical 11:00 am ‐ 3:00 pm 9:00 am – 12:00 Desert Botanical Gardens Boyce Thompson Arboretum Gardens Ron Dinchak leads this Birds, bees, and butterflies all have The fragrant and charming Wing workshop in celebration of Earth their favorite plants. Garden Memorial Herb Garden is the Day. Learn many ways to horticulturist Kirti Mathura will setting for this festival. With live incorporate green into your introduce you to many plants that music and live culinary everyday life. This informative provide shelter and food for native demonstrations of herbal cuisine, presentation will get you started on wildlife. With these ideas, you can this event also includes childrenʹs a conservation and environmental create an aesthetic and functional games and crafts, and exhibits by pathway, and includes a tour of the habitat in your own backyard. local herbalists ‐ fun for the whole conservation features found in the (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org family! There will also be a variety Garden’s energy‐ and water‐ Workshop ‐ #SP05‐527 Member: of herbs for sale. (520) 689‐2723. efficient building, Desert House. $72 / Non‐Member: $90 Limit 30. (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org 4/14 A Little Rose Show 7:30 pm April 2005 Mesa‐East Valley Rose Society Mesa Community College A panel 4/16 A Bug’s Life – Integrated Pest
of expert rosarians will help Management 9:00 am ‐ 12:00 pm. 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30 Desert experienced and new growers Desert Garden Institute Instructor: Botanical Garden 1:00 pm & alike. They will discuss and Master Gardener Kelly Young. 3:00 pm. Join docent “Cactus Jack” demonstrate the preparation and Learn the methods of IPM to and walk “back through time” handling of their roses for display diagnose pest problems, recognize when desert dwellers had to live off and competition. Hands‐on help insect damage, and find out which the land utilizing native plants for will be given to those who wish to natural enemies are busy at work to food, tools, and building materials. bring some of their own blooms or keep your yard looking great. The tour concludes with sampling extras that will be provided, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ some of the desert’s delectable followed by ʺjudgingʺ by ARS Cost: $20 Registration required. foods. (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org Accredited Judges, with awards Contact: Ainsley LaCour at
and ribbons! Please RSVP to Donna [email protected] or 4/2 Spring Herb Gardening Dibble at (480) 380‐4592. (602) 470‐8086. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Desert Garden
Institute, Instructors: Master 4/17 Arizona 101 10:30 am‐ 2:30 pm Gardeners Mike and Carolyn Hills. Boyce Thompson Arboretum Learn how to choose, plant and care Learn how to choose ideal plants for herbs and how best to use them for a beautiful desert landscape, to in your landscape. 4341 E. install your own water‐saving Broadway Rd., Phoenix, AZ irrigation yourself...even how to Cost: $20 Registration required. calmly deal with the occasional Contact: Ainsley LaCour at scorpion or western diamondback [email protected] or rattler you might encounter while (602) 470‐8086. turning over rocks in your yard.
Cost is $10 and registration is
limited to 50 people. Pre‐register by
sending an email to
[email protected] or call
Vicki at the Arboretum business
office at (520) 689‐2723.
Calendar of Events Continued from previous page.
4/22 ‐ 4/24 Central Arizona Cactus Cactus & Succulent Sale and Succulent Society Annual 4/23 Propagating and Cultivating Show and Sale 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Herbs 8:00 am ‐12:00 pm Desert The Central Arizona Cactus & Cacti, agaves and succulents. Botanical Gardens Garden Succulent Society will present our Question and answer and growing horticulturist Kirti Mathura teaches 31st Annual Cactus and Succulent tips. Plant and container vendors. the basic techniques to start your Show and Sale on Friday April 22nd, More unusual varieties of plants own herb plants and care for them Saturday April 23rd, and Sunday than any other annual sales event in over time. A diverse array of herbs April 24th 2005 at the Desert the Valley of the Sun. grows well in the desert and can be Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Free with garden admission. Desert planted in your herb garden, Arizona. Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin landscape, or containers. Parkway, Phoenix, AZ Contact: (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org You may be familiar with the [email protected] or Workshop‐ #SP05‐533 Member: $36 common landscape cacti, agaves, www.centralarizonacactus.org / Non‐Member: $45 Limit 20 and succulents, but did you know there are thousands of species, 4/23 and 4/24 Parade of Ponds 4/28 Introduction to Landscape varieties, and hybrids? Come and 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Design 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Desert see the wonderful specimens grown Self‐guided Valley‐wide Tour Botanical Garden From creating a by collectors and backyard Presented by N.A.W.G.S. of conceptual plan to developing a hobbyists. Experts in the field Phoenix and the Pond Gnome, the planting plan, you will learn the judge the show and awards are tour features ponds and water steps in designing your own presented according to novice, gardens in a variety of sizes and landscape in this workshop by advanced, or master status. This shapes to be integrated into any size Carrie Nimmer, landscape designer. year there will also be a non‐judged or style yard. Tickets $15, children Looking at photos and slides of real section for society members to bring 12 & under free. Online at projects, learn how to develop a in their favorite plants without the www.pondgnome.com or successful landscape plan while worry of competition. (623) 572‐5607. taking into consideration growing conditions and features of your Society members will be on hand 4/23 Pruning Desert Trees and area. (480) 941‐1225 www.dbg.org throughout the day to answer Shrubs 9:00 am – 12:00 pm City of Workshop‐ #SP05‐534 questions and give growing tips. Phoenix Landscape Workshop in Member: $36 / Non‐Member: $45. There will also be many plant and partnership with the Desert Limit 30. container pot vendors selling their Botanical Gardens (480) 941‐1225 fabulous merchandise to help you www.dbg.org Refreshments and start or add to your own collection. door prizes. This April sale has more unusual Instructor: Kent Newland varieties of plants from all over the Workshop ‐#SP05‐18 , $10. world than any other annual sales event in the Valley of the Sun.
Free with Garden Admission. General Garden Admission: $9.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors, $5.00 for students, $4.00 per child, children under 3, no charge
For additional information visit
www.centralarizonacactus.org
T H I N G S T O E X P E C T & D O
HERB TIPS FOR SPRING IN THE VALLEY OF THE SUN
By Mike Hills, Master Gardener
1) Has frosty winter nipped your 3) Often in spring, we find a Dill or herb garden? It’s usually safe to Fennel plant in our garden loaded See the University of Arizona, prune winter damage from your with aphids and their sticky mess. Maricopa County Extension website herb plants anytime after mid‐ Aphids usually occur in numbers cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/ March. If you havenʹt yet taken care that are not very harmful to healthy for information on common garden of this garden chore, now is the plants. Merely rinse them off with insects. Extension publication perfect time! Carefully inspect your your garden hose and wash your MC16 titled, “How to Encourage Basil, Lemongrass, Peppers, picked herbs well before cooking Natural Enemies of Insect Pests” is Mexican Tarragon and other frost‐ with them. Insecticides are not available by mail. Send your sensitive plants, looking for new generally recommended for use on request and $1 to Home growth emerging on the lower half herbs, since they are used for Horticulture Publications, of the plant. Use clean, sharp shears cooking. A weaker plant may University of Arizona Cooperative to cut the plant back by 1/3 to 1/2 or become heavily infested. Either pull Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, more, down to healthy new side and discard the plant, or leave it in Phoenix, AZ 85040. shoots. Topdress the plants with your garden as a source of food new compost and water well for a (aphids) to attract ladybird beetles fresh start. and other beneficial insects.
2) Small white balls of frothy foam may show up on the new growth of some of your herbs in spring, especially on Rosemary, Sage and other woody perennial herb plants. These 1/4 ‐ 1/2 inch ʺballsʺ are the protective hiding place for the nymph of a relatively harmless insect called a ʺspittlebugʺ (Philaenus sp.) which feeds on the plantʹs sap and uses the foam to hide itself from predators. Spittlebugs are easily rinsed off your plants with your garden hose.
Spittlebug (Philaenus sp.)
Photo by. Charles Webber ©
California Academy of Sciences
A S K A M A S T E R G A R D E N E R by Judy Curtis, Master Gardener
QUESTION: What is an elephant tree and where did its name come The species are protected in the from? wild but they grow rather easily from seeds and can be propagated Elephant tree is a common from cuttings. Small plants are name given to three available from specialty nurseries members of the genus and sometimes from botanical Bursera, small, shrubby trees garden sales. native to washes and slopes in northwestern Mexico, My own experience with Bursera Baja and Southern Arizona. began about four years ago when I They are related to Asian bought a three‐inch B. fagaroides at a varieties whose sap is sale from an institution which shall harvested for legendary remain nameless. I was told that its frankincense and myrrh. B. growth habit was slow but this one microphylla, and B. fagaroides quickly outgrew its pot. I put it into are noted for their twisted the ground in my patio area and gnarly form, and their white now it is approaching seven feet. peeling bark. B. hindsiana However, during a recent trip to the has smooth red bark that zoo, our guide pointed out a B. doesn’t peel. The name, fagaroides. Its shaggy white bark and Elephant Tree, is a reference leaf pattern looked nothing like to their caudiciform mine. I did some research to find (swollen) succulent trunks. out what I really had and Popular with bonsai discovered that it was the lesser‐ enthusiasts, they also make known B. hindsiana. What a happy unique patio specimens in accident it has turned out to be. The pots or in the ground maroon‐colored trunk is so eventually reaching about handsome and the crushed leaves twelve feet. Frost sensitive in give off a delicate, aromatic the mid‐20s, they need a fragrance. There is an added bonus‐ protected location here in it is not the least bit messy. I would Phoenix. certainly recommend it along with its better‐known cousins to anyone looking for a unique addition to their landscape.
Photo by Judy Curtis
B E T T E R L A N D S C A P E D E S I G N
Using Perennials in the Landscape by Sandra Turico, Master Gardener
Ask different gardeners for a need to fill in gaps between larger • Take the time to test your soil. definition of the term “perennial” plant specimens? Is there a water Unlike annuals, perennials will and you may receive various feature or entertainment area in grow in the landscape for a answers. Botanically speaking, your landscape that is in need of number of years. Using a soil a perennial is a plant that has a some color and personality? Would test will ensure that your plants lifespan of more than two years. you like to attract some fascinating will have sufficient nutrients to By this definition trees, shrubs, wildlife into the garden? Why not flourish. groundcovers, vines and even treat yourself to a tranquil spot for succulents are perennials. To the relaxing or meditating? Whatever Choose your perennials with care. everyday gardener, however, the your goal, there are certain factors The mature size of the plants, as more popular description of a to take into account as you design well as flower and foliage colors, perennial is a small to medium‐ your perennial garden. form, texture, fragrance and bloom sized herbaceous or semi‐woody time will make considerable plant which lives year after year • Check out the amount of difference in the final design and and displays a colorful bloom. sunlight the planting area character of your landscape. receives. Monitor the light Traditionally, perennials were patterns as the day progresses planted in beds and borders. and remember that these Charming English‐styled “cottage patterns will also change as the gardens” flourished with an seasons change. As with any abundance of these plants. While other type of plant, some perennials are still used in this perennials will do best in full manner, gardeners today take sunlight (although most will advantage of these versatile plants benefit from some afternoon in many other ways. Perennials shade), some will accept part intermingled with trees, shrubs or sun or filtered sunlight, but few annuals, as well as those showcased will thrive in full shade. Zauschneria californica • in rock gardens, dry stream beds, Study the microclimates in your containers and raised beds can yard. Other plantings, as well as Select plants that, when mature, contribute to an amazing landscape. hardscape features can will fit into the space available. A significantly affect temperatures large specimen in a small space will Here in our desert environment, in various parts of your require endless pruning. On the where we are dealing with an landscape. other hand, place a small plant in • ongoing drought and water Make sure the planting area too large an area and it will lose its conservation is essential, perennials drains well. If uncertain, test impact. Set too closely, your can play an important role. Many of for good drainage. Dig a hole perennials will compete with each these adaptable plants use a about a foot deep, fill it with other for water and nutrients minimum of water, especially water and let it drain. Fill it resulting in a muddle of unhealthy native perennials. with water again and observe plants. Place them too far apart and how long it takes to drain. If it your design will look spotty and When incorporating perennials into hasn’t emptied within about not show well. Repeat varieties of the landscape, think about what twelve hours, be sure to correct perennials in your design. you want to accomplish. Do you the problem before proceeding.
Better Landscape Design Continued from previous page.
Color can calm and color can perennials with different blooming choose. Healthy foliage and a stimulate. Use appropriate colors to times will greatly enhance the entire strong root system will help ensure set the mood. Cool blues and landscape as the flowers of some a long life for your plants. Avoid purples will radiate calm. Tranquil plants begin to bloom while others plants that are leggy; instead look pastels and white blossoms will are fading. With precise planning, it for smaller, bushier perennials. If sparkle in dim light, whereas lively is possible to make certain that you have trouble finding a specific warm hues such as reds and every area of the perennial perennial variety you want in your yellows will energize the space. Too landscape is attractive year round. landscape, ask your nursery many colors will look chaotic. Select specialist. a pleasing color scheme and lay out Take into account the water your perennials to create a sweep of requirements of the plants you are Get your new plants into the color, one tone flowing effortlessly considering. If you decide to ground or into permanent into the next. integrate some high water use containers as soon as possible, but perennials into your yard, place remember the necessary prep work. Utilize foliage color to add another them in areas where you can closely The width of the planting hole dimension to your landscape. This monitor their irrigation needs. Since should be at least three times the aspect is especially important when many plants of this nature have a width of the nursery pot. Plants designing with perennials. tropical look, consider planting should be set at the same depth as Perennials bloom for a relatively them in high traffic areas where they were in their containers. short time, thus their foliage must they can be easily seen and Compost or mulch incorporated hold the observer’s interest for a appreciated. into the backfill at planting will get significant portion of the year. your new non‐native Various shades of green or perennials off to a good variegated foliage can help to unify start. Fertilizer may need your landscape plan when used to be added for non‐native thoughtfully. species. Your plants will have a much better chance Vary the form and texture of the of surviving and plants to add interest. Use flourishing if you give perennials with different shapes them the best possible and alternate plantings with a environment. delicate or bold feel to provide contrast and help draw the eye Maintenance of your throughout the garden. perennials is crucial to their long life and well‐ Fragrant flowers offer still another kept appearance. As with any plant dimension to the landscape. Verbena intertwines with Snail Vine in our desert environment, watering Position fragrant perennials near your perennials correctly is entryways and along garden paths. Determine the best planting time essential, but there is no exact Plant them around entertainment for the perennials you have formula to follow. Different and meditation areas where you selected. Those that produce a perennials have different needs. and your guests will enjoy their springtime bloom should be Although fluctuating temperatures, perfume. planted in the fall; those that flower soil conditions and particular later in the summer or early in the microclimates around your garden Bloom time is one of the most fall should go in during the spring. will dictate how often perennials challenging aspects of a perennial need to be watered, they should garden design. As mentioned Now it’s time to head to your local always be irrigated to a depth of 12‐ before, these plants are in bloom for garden center and select the ideal 24 inches. Remember that new only a short period of time. Planting specimens to bring into your plants need to be irrigated more garden. Be picky about those you Better Landscape Design Perennials are versatile plants that Continued from previous page. are a delight to have in your landscape. Take the time seek out often than established ones. different resources and learn Keep plants that have similar about the specific care for your watering requirements in the perennials and they will reward same area. Maintain a close you with years of enjoyment. eye on the condition of your Following is a list of perennials to plants and adjust your get you started. watering schedule as temperatures and conditions Perennials change. Be sure to turn off your automatic irrigation Achillea spp. (Yarrow) system when Mother Nature is Agastache spp. (Wild Hyssop) taking care of the watering for Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) you. Just remember to turn it Aptenia cordifolia (Ice Plant) back on! Artemisia ludoviciana (Western Mugwort) Fertilizing your plants is another Pruning is advantageous for some Asclepias subulata (Pineleaf task that may take some perennials. Herbaceous plants can Milkweed) experimentation. Some will need be cut almost completely back to Asclepias subulata (Desert Milkweed) regular fertilization, others will the ground after flowering to Asclepias tuberose (Butterfly Weed) require none. Check on rejuvenate the plant. A semi‐woody Aster novae angliae (New England recommendations for your perennial may be thinned out Aster) particular perennials. Organic, annually to reduce excess woody Baileya multiradiata (Desert inorganic, compost, mulch, timed‐ growth in the center of the plant Marigold) release…the options are numerous and to direct new growth, but take Berlandiera lyrata (Chocolate flower) and only you can determine what care to preserve its natural form. Callirhoe involucrate (Wine Cups) will work best for your landscape. Calylophus hartweggi (Sierra Be sure to read and follow label Your perennial plants will probably Sundrop) directions. need to be divided every few years Centaurea cineraria (Dusty Miller) as they continue to grow larger. Centranthus ruber (Jupiter’s Beard) Mulching will help to control weeds Divide plants that blossom in the Capsicum annuun v. aviculare and conserve water while keeping spring after they finish flowering or (Chiltepines) your garden attractive. Organic in the fall. Those perennials that Cuphea llavea (Bat‐faced cuphea) mulches can supply needed flower in the fall should be divided Convolvulus cneorum (Bush Morning nutrients and are less likely to burn during the early spring. Replant Glory) foliage. Whether or not you decide healthy divisions in your own Coreopsis grandiflora (‘Early Sunrise’) to use mulch, clean up litter from garden or share them with friends Dalea greggii (Trailing Indigo Bush) beds and borders regularly and and neighbors. Dianthus caryphyllus (Carnation) remove weeds when they appear. Dicliptera resupinata (Dicliptera) Stake tall plants as needed to Echinacea purpurea (Purple maintain their appearance and Coneflower) prevent breakage in inclement Echinops (Globe Thistle) weather. Deadheading is not as Erigeron divergens (Fleabane) much a chore as it is with annuals Euphorbia biglandulosa (Gopher since perennials don’t bloom for an Plant) extended amount of time, but removing faded flowers will keep perennials looking their best. Continued on next page.
Perennials Continued from previous page.
Gaillardia grandiflora (Blanket Flower) Gaura lindheimeri (Gaura) Gazania x hybrida (Gazania) Glandularia goodinggii (Goodding’s Verbena) Helianthus maximilianii (Perennial Sunflower) Hesperaloe parviflora (Red Yucca) Hymenoxys acaulis (Angelita Daisy) Iris germanica (Bearded Iris) Lantana montevidensis (Trailing Lantana) Lavandula spp. (Lavender) Linum perenne ( Perennial Blue Flax) Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot Daisy) Mirabilis multiflora (Desert Four O’clock) Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) Oenothera berlandieri (Evening Primrose) Oenothera caespitosa (Tufted Evening Primrose) Penstemon spp. (Penstemon) Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) Psilostrophe cooperi (Paperflower) Ranunculus x hybridus (Ranunculus) Sphaeralcea ambigua Ratibida columnaris (Mexican Hat)
Rudbeckia hirta (Gloriosa Daisy) Salvia spp. (Sage) Ruellia brittoniana (Purple Ruellia) Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)
Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller) Sphaeralcea ambigua (Globe Mallow) Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear) Tagetes lemmonii (Mt. Lemmon Marigold) Tetraneuris acaulis (Angelita Daisy) Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander) Verbena pulchella (Moss Verbena) Zauschneria californica (California Fuschia) Zephyranthes candida (Rain Lily) Zexmenia hispida (Orange Zexemia) Zinnia acerosa (Desert Zinnia) Zinnia grandiflora (Prairie Zinnia)
Photos: Salvia farinacea with Opuntia engelmannii and Calliandia Zauschneria, Salvia, Penstemon and Verbena by Jo Cook, californica Sphaeralcea ambigua by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery
W A T E R F E A T U R E
Part I
Are Your Trees and Shrubs on the Same Valve?
By Donna DiFrancesco, Master Gardener and Water Conservation Specialist, City of Mesa
I know you’ve all heard the 1) Dig a whole bunch of trenches, the water requirements of the advice… “because of different lay new pipe, and install rest of the landscape. watering needs, it is best to place additional valves to your • For example if you have roses trees and shrubs on separate valves existing system. –or‐ on the same valve as your of your irrigation system.” If you 2) Try making some modifications desert willow tree, you will really want to get precise, you to your one‐valve system to need to water every 3‐5 days to should install a separate valve for make it as efficient as you can. keep the roses healthy, much vines and ground too frequent for the covers, one for desert willow. By flowers, and maybe replacing the roses with even one for the a fairy duster, you can cacti and succulents. re‐adjust your frequency Once, I confess, I to once every 10‐14 days, even considered a more in line with the separate valve to watering needed on the water the lichens on tree. I’m not suggesting my landscape that you eliminate your boulders (I roses, just try to group eventually them in beds where you reconsidered feeling can water as needed, not that our salty City mixed on the same water would be too system with other harmful to the landscape plants. lichens). The point is, you can water a • Hand water smaller lot more specifically and efficiently plants unable to survive long if the plants with different water Unless you love using a pick ax, frequencies between watering. needs are on separate valves. This you will probably prefer the 2nd allows you to customize the length option. So, here’s how you might be • Place organic mulches around and frequency of watering for each able to make the best of your ‘one‐ smaller plants to slow group of plants. valve’ situation: evaporation and keep soil moist longer. Now the other shoe drops…. • Find your weakest link. This probably 90% of the irrigation will be the plant(s) that will • Plug all emitters around your systems installed for residential show water stress before all trees and use soaker hoses landscapes places trees and shrubs other plants. Consider the periodically instead. (and every other plant in the modifications mentioned landscape) on the same valve. What below, or replace the plant(s) are your options here? with one(s) that will fit in with Photo by Kathleen Moore.
Water Feature Part I Continued from previous page. Let me explain the last point. As an example, let’s say you have an 8‐ foot sweet acacia (size refers to • Adjust emitter sizes and/or canopy diameter), a 3‐foot Texas numbers so that the appropriate sage, and a 2‐foot hesperaloe. See amount of water is applied to the table below to see how emitter plants to wet the root zone. sizes and numbers can help to apply the proper amount.
Plant type No. of emitters Emitter H2O applied Irrigation Total water & size per plant output gal/hr gal/plant/hr run time (hr) applied 8’ Sweet Acacia 5 x 2gal/hr 10gal/plant/hr 4 40gal 3’ Texas Sage 2 x 1gal/hr 2gal/plant/hr 4 8gal 2’ Hesperaloe 1 x .5gal/hr .5gal/plant/hr 4 2gal
Table 1: Irrigation Plan
You can see that by adjusting the emitters you are at least being efficient with the amounts of water you are applying to individual plants. Call your city water conservation office for the booklet called Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert. The booklet includes a chart that estimates gallons of water needed depending on the size and type of plant. After adjusting the emitter output, you’ll have to experiment with frequency to see what works for all the plants on the valve. Observation of your plants is key to their survival and success.
Resources: Water Conservation Offices: City of Chandler 480‐782‐3580, Town of Gilbert 480‐503‐6098, City of Glendale 623‐930‐3596, City of Goodyear 623‐932‐1637, City of Mesa 480‐644‐3306, City of Peoria 623‐773‐7286, City of Phoenix 602‐261‐8367, City of Scottsdale 480‐312‐5650, City of Tempe 480‐350‐2668.
Photo by Jo Cook W A T E R F E A T U R E
Part II
Runoff A Problem? Cycle and Soak
By Donna DiFrancesco, Master Gardener and Water Conservation Specialist, City of Mesa
It can be a common problem that so on. This allows you to still apply each. If the runoff isn’t a problem occurs when trying to apply water the amount of water that is needed until about 15 minutes then 2 run to your landscape. The water is to wet the root zone of the plants times at 12 minutes each would being applied faster than it can be each time, without losing water work. absorbed into the ground, and unnecessarily. runoff causes puddling in the How do you program this on your landscape, or worse, it runs into the Here’s an example for grass areas. controller? While commercial street or other areas that it is not To get water to the 8‐10” depth controllers have specific settings for needed. needed to keep the grass healthy, a cycle and soak, residential you’ll need to apply about ¾” of controllers usually don’t offer this What can you do? The experts call it water on the surface. With pop‐up option. But, there is an easy way to ‘cycle and soak’ which basically sprinklers, that will often take about set it up using multiple start times. means that you split the watering 20‐30 minutes of run time. For this schedule into multiple smaller example, let’s say that we Table 1 uses the example above to increments. You might apply one determined 24 minutes is a good demonstrate how we might set it up half or maybe even one‐third of the run time. If we found we had runoff on the controller: water needed, wait for about one after about 10 minutes, you might hour then apply the remainder, and want to do 3 run cycles at 8 minutes
Valve/Station A Valve/Station Start Watering Program Description Time Days 1 8 Turf sprinklers 4 Mon. & minutes a.m. Thur. 5 ‐ 2 Turf sprinklers a.m. ‐ 8 6 ‐ minutes a.m.
Table 1: Irrigation Timer Cycle and Soak Example Summer Watering Schedule
With these inputs that show on this program, on Monday and Thursday valve one will start running at 4 am for 8 minutes, then valve two will run for 8 minutes. At 5 am valve one will run for another 8 minutes, then valve 2 for another 8 minutes, and so on. Remember that when programming your timer, your frequency and start times run all valves in that specific program setting.
Continued on next page.
Water Feature Part II Continued from previous page
To determine the proper run time of valve or station of your sprinklers your sprinklers to apply ¾” of for 15 minutes. When the sprinklers water as suggested above, do a one‐ turn off, measure the depth of water time can test – this will tell you how in each can. Add up your numbers much water your sprinklers apply. and divide by the number of Collect 6 to 8 shallow, flat‐bottomed containers to get your average cans like tuna or cat food cans (a set depth of water. Then use the table of matching coffee mugs may also below to determine how long your work if the sides are straight and sprinklers need to run to give the the bottoms are flat). Spread the grass three‐quarters of an inch of containers around your lawn about water: 4 to 6 feet apart, then turn on each
Minutes to run your sprinklers: Average measurement (inches) 3/16 5/16 3/8 1/2 5/8 11/16 Minutes to run sprinklers 56 37 28 22 18 16
Photo by Kathleen Moore. W A T E R F E A T U R E
Part III
Where Does All That Water Go?
By Donna DiFrancesco, Master Gardener and Water Conservation Specialist, City of Mesa
Here are some revealing statistics • An average swimming pool about typical landscape water use: (400 sq.ft.) uses about 16,000 • Keep turf areas small and • A 20 x 20 foot area of lawn gallons to fill, and loses about functional or convert unneeded needs over 2000 gallons each 22,000 gallons each year to lawn areas to Xeriscape. month in the summer and evaporation and backwashing. • Practice good plant and about 1000 gallons each month Expect to lose about 2,500 irrigation maintenance. Reapply in the winter (if you have gallons each month during organic mulch frequently to winter rye grass). summer just from evaporation. slow evaporation, remove • A 20 x 20 foot area of Xeriscape weeds, check irrigation systems, needs 500‐700 gallons of water and fix leaks. in the summer and about 250 • Water carefully and gallons of water or less in the thoughtfully. Change your winter depending on winter controller schedules seasonally, rains. turn off controllers after a good • A standard lawn sprinkler rain, and only water the root hooked up to a water hose zone of the plant (except when emits 2‐4 gallons every minute. flushing salts from the soil). • A broken sprinkler head can • If runoff occurs, break the run lose up to 12 gallons of water How can you use water more time into several smaller per minute. wisely in the landscape? increments with soak time in • A bubbler dispenses ½ to 2 If you plan and install your between. gallons of water per minute. landscape carefully, and learn to • Use an on‐off nozzle on the end • Drip emitters deliver water manage your water usage, you can of your hose to make your hand slowly, dispensing 1‐2 gallons have a beautiful, colorful and watering efficient. of water per hour depending on functional yard that is water • Don’t overseed your lawn with emitter size. efficient too. Here are some winter ryegrass. • A ½‐inch diameter garden hose landscape water‐saving tips: • Use efficient watering systems delivers 5‐8 gallons of water per • Choose from the wonderful such as drip irrigation. minute or over 300 gallons of selection of low‐water using • Don’t install a pool. Use the water per hour. plants for your landscape. community or your neighbor’s • A faucet (or irrigation valve) • Group plants by water needs. pool. with a slow dripping leak can Do not mix plants that need • If you do have a pool, check waste 350 gallons per month. A little or no irrigation with ones frequently for leaks and keep fast leak will waste about 600 that require regular moisture. plumbing properly maintained. gallons a month. • Design and grade your yard so that it will capture rainfall for Resource: Earth Friendly Desert your plants. Gardening by Cathy Cromell, Jo Miller, Lucy K. Bradley
Photo by Kathleen Moore. S O N O R A N O R I G I N A L S
Giving Back by Russ Buhrow, Curator of Plants, Tohono Chul Park, Tucson, Arizona
Arizona shines as a gem in the We can rebuild our landscapes into American Southwest. Its blue spaces that are beautiful, as well as mountains rise above its vast filled with color and life. We can deserts in a never ending dance of create places that are as magical as shifting color and light. In summer, the most exceptional wild places sunlit raindrops fall like diamonds that can be found. We can invite from wandering thunderstorms, natureʹs beauty to our front door. giving life to the thirsty land. The glow of rainbows and flaming Landscapes such as these, inspired clouds illuminate the summer by nature, can vary from including sunsets. a few native plants in the design palette to attract animals like It is no small wonder that millions butterflies and hummingbirds, to of people who love beauty and true wildscapes. These wildscapes nature have flocked here. Our may include terraforming the land arrival presents a paradox. With to evoke a canyon, mountainside or entry of each new person, the wild wash habitat, for example. The Peniocereus greggii, land that brought many of us here placement of the plants, as well as Queen of the Night, Night in the first place gets smaller. Every their selection, produces the subtle Blooming Cereus, Reina de la new home requires the destruction patterns that may only be apparent Noche of a small piece of nature. Everyone when one of the plants erupts into Perhaps no other plant better who lives here contributes to the flamboyant color, so typical of exemplifies the magic of the loss. After new homes are built, natural areas at their peak of Southwest Desert than the Queen of new plants replace those that were beauty. the Night. These plants naturally there before. Most of these plants range from southern and western come from other parts of the world. At Tohono Chul Park we have been Arizona, southern New Mexico and studying native plants and west Texas to northern Mexico from Loss of plants and land means developing them for landscaping sea level to around 4500 feet, living death to most of the animals that use for many years. Our emphasis a Cinderella‐like existence hiding use them as food and for shelter. has been upon plants which are under desert trees and shrubs. The The interconnections among the used by butterflies and night blooming cereus looks like a plants and animals who live here hummingbirds. couple of dead sticks most of the have grown and developed over year, but on one or two special millions of generations. As a result, Following are examples which have nights the perfume of its large animals recognize native plants as been tested and are ready for (5‐9ʺL X 3‐6ʺW), erect flowers fills home. Exotic plants are just a place landscape use. Many of these plants the desert, attracting large moths to sit. are still only available at Tohono (and large numbers of humans to Chul Park and in limited quantities. Tohono Chul Park). The stamens When we use native plants in our rise above the petals in a perfect landscapes, we generate the crown. The flowers range in color opportunity to help the plants and from pure white to greenish white animals with which we share this to pink. planet.
Sonoran Originals Continued from previous page The plants tolerate temperatures As winter approaches, little ¼ʺ into the low twenties, at least, but I have seen one exceptional peppers crown the plant in bright may be killed back to the ground, individual with alternating pink red and green, as the plant becomes with rapid recovery in warm and white petals. The plants usually the Christmas Chile. weather. Maurandya will bloom grow to 2‐4 feet in size (stem almost year round if the weather is length), and often consist of just one Chiltepins are herbaceous shrubs warm to hot. Drought tolerance is or two branches growing from a that can live for many years. Plants quite good, but for most attractive tuberous root which may account from the northern populations appearance and bloom moderate for 90% of the plantʹs mass. appear to be fairly frost tolerant, watering is recommended. although they may lose their leaves. Culture of Peniocereus is simple. (Some have survived at Tohono Locate the plant in an area with Chul Park for over 10 years without partial shade, preferably afternoon protection.) Wild chiles grow well shade. The areas below a mesquite, in full sun to fairly deep shade. ironwood or paloverde are fine. Fruiting is heaviest in bright light, Some of the biggest individuals while the most attractive leaves occur under mesquites. Avoid areas appear when the plants grow in where water collects or soil is shade. Water use is moderate. shallow. For best growth and Diospyros texana, flowering, water once a week Maurandya antirrhiniflora, Texas Persimmon, Black during hot weather if no rain has Snapdragon Vine Persimmon occurred within the last two weeks An attractive small vine, Maurandya Q: When is an ebony not an ebony? and once every two weeks during grows wild on rocky slopes from A: When it is from Texas. Texas cool weather if no rain has occurred Arizona and adjacent border states ebony Ebanopsis ebano within the last month. Small plants southward into Mexico, from 1500‐ (Pithecellobium flexicaule) is a will require a little more water. Do 6000ʹ elevation. The arrowhead leguminous tree with dark not connect the plants to your shaped leaves wrap around the heartwood reminiscent of African irrigation system. twigs of shrubs with their tendril‐ ebony (Diospyros crassiflora and D. like petioles. The red or lilac flowers piscatoria). Texas persimmon really are about an inch long and very is an ebony, and probably should similar to those of a snapdragon, have been called that, but Iʹm not in contrasting nicely with the bright charge of erroneous common green foliage. Hummingbirds names. Itʹs a good thing the tree frequently visit the flowers. doesnʹt care what we call it.
Snapdragon vines climb or sprawl A small semi‐evergreen tree (20‐ to 4‐7ʹ and are suitable for planting 40ʹ), Diospyros texana grows wild Capsicum annuum var. aviculare, with shrubs or a trellis with a fine from south Texas to adjacent Chiltepin, Chilpetin, Chile de Ave, textured lattice, as the leaves have northeastern Mexico. Texas Wild Chile Pepper trouble latching onto anything persimmon has oval, slightly fuzzy Arizonaʹs very own native pepper is thicker than about a quarter inch. A ¾ inch, deep green leaves, an attractive, easy to grow and hot. chicken wire or concrete mesh upright form and purplish grey Chiltepins range from Arizonaʹs trellis cover works very well. bark that flakes off like that of southernmost warm mountain sycamore or eucalyptus. The round, ranges to tropical America. The purple‐black, one inch fruits ripen fruits constitute an important in summer and are quite delicious if ingredient in Mexican dishes. you can beat the birds to them. If you want fruit, plant at least 2 or 3, as the plants are dioecious.
Sonoran Originals Happy birthday Continued from previous page Tohono Chul Park!
Relatively small size and slow In honor of our 20th Anniversary growth make this tree a good choice Plants will freeze back and lose we are raffling off a whimsical for small or narrow spaces. Texas their leaves in the mid 20ʹs, but garden sculpture entitled, Desert persimmon is hardy to at least the recover rapidly and begin blooming Bluebell. (The bluebell is our official low 20ʹs, but at such temperatures in just a few weeks of warm Wildflower Festival ʺlogo.ʺ) the leaves may drop. Expect the weather. Plants are quite drought elegant form and excellent tolerant when established, but look Sculptor Ned Egen’s unique, adaptation of black persimmon to best with moderate water. Bouvardia recycled pieces have often been result in this tree being widely used will be the featured plant at Tohono featured in the Park’s art and throughout much of the Southwest. Chul Parkʹs spring plant sale. cultural exhibits. He has crafted a Expect most to be gone at the truly ʺwildʺ wildflower of recycled memberʹs only preview (March 10, and found objects. Standing 2004 from 3‐6 pm). The public sale approximately seven feet tall, this will be on March 12 from whimsical, kinetic steel sculpture 9am to 5pm and March 11 from sways gently in the breeze and is 10am to 4pm. perfect for displaying outdoors in your own wildflower garden. The About the Illustrator: retail value is $1500 and raffle tickets are just $3 each or 4 for $10. Martha Pille is a dedicated Docent Call 742‐6455 x 0 to order or stop by at Tohono Chul Park. She was a any of the Tohono Chul Park microbiologist who took art classes Museum Shops next time you visit in high school and then after the Park. The winner will be chosen retirement, took a colored pencil during our Wildflower Festival on class at Tohono Chul Park. She was Sun., Apr. 3 by Honorary Chairman helping with the first Plant Sale and Dr. James ʺBig Jimʺ Griffith. The designed a poster for the second winner need not be present to win. Plant Sale (1998). She practices by
drawing in her Nature Journal (she teaches classes in Nature Journaling Bouvardia glaberrima, here too). Sheʹs now a member of Bouvardia the Colored Pencil Society— This herbaceous flowering shrub Phoenix Chapter (statewide) and 2 (3ʹH X 4ʹW) ranges from southern of her works were selected for Arizona and New Mexico into exhibition here at Tohono Chul northern Mexico mostly in canyons Park during the CPSʹ last exhibit and mountainsides from 3000‐9000ʹ (Dec. 2003). Martha is fascinated by elevation. Bouvardia is one of the what makes a plant unique most important of southern and strives to help identify these Arizonaʹs hummingbird plants, and ʺstrangeʺ desert plants (sheʹs not a as such is the site for much aerial native). Martha strives to combine warfare. Bright red, tubular flowers not only botanical illustration with appear in clusters almost year the beauty, the shape and flow and round at warm locations like grace of a plant. Tucson or Phoenix if sufficient water is available. The bright green elliptical leaves (1‐3ʺ) make a nice contrast with the red of the flowers.
P L A N T C L I N I C
Echinopsis candicans: Argentine Giant by Kathleen Moore, Master Gardener and Water Conservation Specialist, City of Chandler
Members of the cactus family have The Argentine giant is relatively This cactus is cold hardy to 10 some of the largest and most small (contrary to the name), with a degrees and enjoys some filtered beautiful blooms in the entire plant mature size of two‐ feet tall and shade. They look great under the kingdom. If you are reluctant to try three‐feet wide. It is a natural fit canopy of a mesquite or ironwood cactus because of their prickly even in small yards. The yellow tree. They are low water use, but reputation, the Argentine giant is spines along the bright green stems that does not mean they require no worth a shot. This cactus is native can be painful if touched, so this water. They prefer deep infrequent to Argentina (hence the name) and plant is best placed away from irrigation and well‐draining soil. has recently been reclassified as walkways, driveways or pools. The They do not like to have wet feet, so Echinopsis candicans. You may see it intoxicating fragrant blooms open be sure to let the soil dry referred to as Trichocereus candicans. at night and persist until early in‐between watering. You also may have heard of it called morning so you may Easter lily cactus, as the flowers wish to plant it in a resemble white lilies and usually location that it can come out around Easter time. It be enjoyed in the looks fabulous in any yard, evening. The bright especially in the spring when the 8‐ white petals and inch across blooms adorn the tips of yellow centers the stems. attract our night pollinators like moths and bats. Before you become worried, the bats in our Sonoran desert are quite small, are wonderful insect predators, and are not at all interested in sucking your blood. They eat Argentine giant sharing its giant their own weight in insects every fragrant blossoms. evening, which makes them earn their keep in my book. Photos by Bob Reichard
C O M P U T E R C O R N E R
By Candice Sherrill, Master Gardener
PROPAGATING HOUSE PLANTS CALS NEWS STORIES A four‐page .pdf document by Georgia Extension Check here periodically to see what’s new at UA’s College Horticulturalist, P.A. Thomas, in conjunction with the of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A recent perusal University of Georgia, Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. highlighted these titles: “UA Licenses Patent for Natural Department of Agriculture, and counties of the state. Fumigation,” “Lehmann Lovegrass Won’t Succumb to Covers both sexual and asexual propagation methods, Fire,” and “Growing Tiny Tubular Formations.” Includes and includes detailed drawings. a searchable database. http://www.ces.uga.edu/pubs/pdf/L290.pdf http://uanews.org/cgi‐ bin/WebObjects/UANews.woa/wa/clearCALSCache AGAVES A particularly interesting feature of this site is the GARDEN POETRY animated photo of a giant agave sending up its incredible Enjoy gardening and poetry? Then how about a site that bloom stalk. Also: “Agaves A‐Z” (view photos of species lets you create your own poems by dragging word tiles that may be new to you), tequila facts and recipes, links to onto a blank workspace? You can also browse through similar sites. dozens of examples of poetry written by other garden http://thegiantagave.tripod.com/ lovers. Have fun! http://www.magneticpoetry.com/nga/ S P E C I A L R E P O R T
Real Gardens For Real People by Stacy Pratt‐Fisher, Master Gardener
Earth‐Friendly Desert Gardening is relying on natural controls and Kids can too! is a wildlife habitat more than a book published by the beneficial insects makes everything covering almost an acre at Apache Master Gardener Press; it is a theme safe for people, pets and visiting Elementary. A partnership has for the 4th annual Real Gardens for critters. created a desert tortoise habitat, a Real People Tour. The five gardens butterfly and hummingbird garden, chosen for the 2005 tour and their an organically kept refugia pond, earth friendly practices are and walking trails that connect each showcased below and available for of the sections. This dream became viewing on Saturday March 12th a reality through a grant from the from 9am‐4pm. Heritage Fund, through Arizona Game and Fish, as well as donations from Apache families using their tax credits – not to mention a great many snow cone sales! The Garden of the Literary Fairy is a backyard habitat certified by the Seven years of work made Raised in National Wildlife Federation. The Arizona a garden showplace. This garden was designed to attract was a huge job for the garden hummingbirds, butterflies and the owners as the house was almost occasional literary fairy. completely hidden by large ficus, At Arid Oasis what once was a hedges and overgrown plant swimming pool and lawn is now a The front yard has a large Palo Brea material. This large backyard planting of drought tolerant native tree that provides shade. There are shows the variety of plant material and desert adapted plants. Trees many kinds of wildflowers which that can be grown in Phoenix; it has provide a canopy of filtered light to self‐seed themselves. Both front citrus, grapes, flowering trees and create microclimates that and back yards have a variety of bushes, roses, vines, annuals and accommodate both shade and sun native flowering shrub offering a perennials. There is color in this loving plants. year round color. The garden owner garden all year. has utilized the narrow side yard The old kool‐deck from the pool for a mix of succulents, vegetables, was recycled and laid in sand to fruit trees and a planting bench. form another patio for additional seating and a transition to plantings surrounding a quiet area under a shade tree. The garden areas were contoured to keep water on the property and direct it to the plants. Containers and the “square foot” gardening method provide produce for the garden owners throughout the year. Row covers keep peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and herbs producing year round. An Earth friendly practice of avoiding pesticides and herbicides and
Real Gardens for Real People Continued from previous page.
There are many containers and a large raised bed for walkway, and is a constant source of safe entertainment vegetables, which make it easier for the owners to for the neighborhood kids, not to mention the local maintain and continue their passion for gardening. A slow watering hole for the pack of young coyotes who hunt the running fountain and plants offering food attract many nearby wash. species of birds.
Water Wonderland is truly a wonderland. This garden demonstrates that you can enjoy the presence of water in your landscape, if you use environmentally friendly construction techniques, with organic maintenance practices. In fact, this little wildlife refuge is home to families of quail, bunnies, coyotes, lizards, frogs, hummingbirds, northern cardinals, desert toads, and a myriad of other native and migratory bird life. The front yard sports a stream which “disappears” under the
These gardens are all examples of how to manage your garden harmoniously with nature. They demonstrate that it is possible to conserve energy and water, attract native wildlife and provide a bountiful harvest. Visit them March 12th from 9 am to 4 pm. Contact the Events Hotline (602) 470‐1556 x 1017 or visit www.mastergardenerevents.com. Sponsored by: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Maricopa County Master Gardeners.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County 4341 East Broadway Road Phoenix, AZ 85040‐8807