Garden Photo of the Day

Sue's container gardens in Nevada

comments (16) December 12th, 2012 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Senior Editor

105 users recommend

Coleus, geraniums.
2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

Aloe and other succulents
2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

This is a sorgum plant that my little helpers the antelope squirrels planted for me. I have a bird feeding area and they plant these all over my yard to save for winter but when the rains come their stashes all grow. It is great fun to see where they will come up next. This clump was so nice I had to snap a picture.2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

Coleus, geraniums.

2 WAYS TO ENLARGE! Click directly on the photo to enlarge in a pop-up, or click HERE to see this image, larger, in a new browser window.

Photo: Courtesy of Sue Rogers

Add Comment
Print

Today's photos are from Sue Rogers in southern Nevada. She says, "My husband and I moved from Washington state about 4 1/2 years ago to the southern desert of Nevada. We bought an acre of land with nothing but sage, rabbits, and salt brush on it. We are still building after 4 years, but the need for a garden has driven me to work on the yard along the way. This spring we were able to pour a back patio. We added sod this fall and will continue the rock work during the winter. I'm looking forward to lots of planting come spring. The patio and steps called for some pots this summer so I'm sending some pictures of those now along with a beginning yard photo that will be more complete come summer next year. I think I read that you were still looking for a submission from Nevada so hopefully this will bring you closer to photos from every state." Indeed it does, Sue! I can't even imagine what's it's like to garden in a Nevada desert. You HAVE to keep us posted and send in more photos! Starting with containers was very smart, and they look great! That sorghum is a keeper, too. The seed heads are beautiful.

***States we're still missing: Alaska, Hawaii, Arizone, New Mexico, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi. I KNOW there are gardens in these states.... Send in some photos, people! :-)

_______________________________________________
Want us to feature YOUR garden in the Garden Photo of the Day? CLICK HERE!
Want to see every post ever published? CLICK HERE!
Want to search the GPOD by STATE? CLICK HERE!
**Check out the GPOD Pinterest page, where you can browse all the post in categories...fun! CLICK HERE!**

posted in: Nevada

Add Comment Print

Nancy's garden in Oregon

Back to List

Ann's garden in Kansas

Comments (16)

cwheat000 writes: I love those geraniums. You created some very nice containers. Posted: 11:12 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: Thanks pattyspenser, I'll do my best to get some more pictures as things come along. I have a few of the process but thought I should save them until I get the end results to go with. Posted: 8:35 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: Tractor1, you are so right about everything in this part of Nevada being anti gardening. This soil does have lots of the micronutrients but the conditions are severe. We are learning a lot and I appreciate the link you gave me. I have some of the books but see a few more I'd like to get.
We have two shade houses for vegetables and are doing raised beds in those. I know some people are glad to not have any garden but I love gardening too much to not do it. I need some green and plants to feed my soul so we are doing the little "green area and working on the dessert area with native plants. The trees we plant have to have 4x5 ft. holes dug 3 ft deep then remove the big rocks and caleche then add compost and some manure to help them do well. We have planted 3 spruce trees and some fruit trees. Got a bushel of nice apples this yr.
My husband went to a week long gardening seminar this fall and the instructor encouraged us saying that this soil can grow good vegetables because of the micronutrients. Several people in the area are doing really well with vegetable gardens. Adding nitrogen,phosphorous,compost is key. We are on a bench above the valley floor which makes our soil really rocky.
"High and Dry" looks like a really good book for this area.
Posted: 8:29 pm on December 12th

pattyspencer writes: Beautiful containers - I love the mix of plants you've used. Best of luck gardening in that locale - I look forward to seeing future pictures as your garden grows. Posted: 3:54 pm on December 12th

tractor1 writes: NevadaSue: There are many web sites about gardening in southern Nevada, you may find them useful. and there are many books on the subject: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=gardening+in+nevada&tag=googhydr-20&index=stripbooks&hvadid=1728385301&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=1138508664566358424&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_7yt3l3ch0u_b

At one point some 30 years ago I considered moving to Carson City, NV, even there gardening is difficult. I have a friend who lives in 29 Palms, CA, most folks there don't ever consider gardening... there are many gorgeous homes there but very few bother with any gardening... folks who live there say that's the beauty of living in a desert, essentially there are no outdoor gardening chores... some shift rocks about and rake their sand. I think for those who must do some gardening containers and raised beds is the way to go. Posted: 3:25 pm on December 12th

meander1 writes: Sue, I love your "can do" spirit and refusal to look at the glass as half empty. Seems like you choose to view your relocation to southern Nevada as an opportunity to experience (and conquer) new challenges. Every baby step you take that gets you further along in realizing your vision will be highly satisfying and you will find your efforts validated because of your great attitude.
The mimosa tree must be very flexible in its needs (it grows like a weed here in east TN) and its nice to read that one is doing well for you. Mimosa flowers have such an amazing sweet fragrance...they literally do perfume the air when in bloom. Posted: 2:40 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: I just must add that everyone here has given me so much inspiration and courage to go on with this challenge. I've learned so much from all the postings...I know this is the first time I have joined the conversation but I've been looking for several yrs. and being inspired. A number of yards have given me ideas to use as I design this yard. Thank you everyone for sharing pictures... I love them!
Sue :)
Posted: 1:27 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: wGardens,
I hope so....It really is my life line here. I've planted so much already and it seems like so little but its coming together.

Trashywoman62, (Regina)
I was in the Walla Walla area which is the south east corner of the state. It was very hard at first but I am able to see beauty in all areas so that has helped a lot. The gardening challenge is huge but I'm pressing forward and looking forward to the results a few yrs. from now. Just the few trees we have and the grass has helped tremendously. I planted a mimosa tree the first yr. that really feeds my soul every time I look at it.
Posted: 1:13 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: Meander1 Thanks, as for the manure I've been hauling loads from the neighbor up the hill about a mile as well as buying loads of compost. We have a bin and I even hauled leaves from town but it seems like a drop in the bucket to what this place needs. I find courage from a place a few miles away that has wonderful soil after 15 yrs. of compost building. How does a gardener just sit and do nothing just because the job seems so daunting ? :) Posted: 12:58 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: Sheila,
I do love the geraniums and have taken some cuttings of the ones in the big pots and put the little pots inside for the winter. The learning curve is huge but I'm still having fun. :) Posted: 12:51 pm on December 12th

NevadaSue writes: Tractor1, My daughter says, "scorpions is right" a while back she asked, "mom, how does a scorpion get into the washing machine when the lid is down?" We have been fortunate in that we have seen only about 5-6 in the 4 + yrs we have been here. As for the garden I have some big plans but it is going to take a while. Posted: 12:47 pm on December 12th

tractor1 writes: A gardner moving from Washington state to southern Nevada is like producing a '50s scifi movie. Everying in southern Nevada is anti gardening; no water, the poorest of soils, and extreme temperatures (120 deg during the day plunging to 40 deg at night). I know that some people build small irrigated garden plots around a miniscule swarth of irrigated sod. The rest of the property left to native plants that grow sparsely... I think the best one can hope for is to plant the hardiest of cacti and continue with the container gardening. I'm not even going to ask why anyone would move to southern Nevada. Beware of scorpions. Gook luck, Sue. Posted: 11:53 am on December 12th

Sheila_Schultz writes: Fun containers, Sue. Don't you just love the geraniums with variegated leaves? What a learning curve to go from gardening in WA to NV... have fun! Posted: 11:07 am on December 12th

meander1 writes: Love your plant combinations and embrace of color, Sue...your containers are like a movie trailer for your garden to come.I hope you will have a good source for compost type material since that will probably help the soil in your beds. If there are any horse farms within easy driving distance, maybe they would be willing to let you have some manure that you could take home and add to a compost pile. Fresh manure needs to age for about a year but eventually it transitions to black gold.
Anyway, best of luck with your ongoing gardening adventure! Posted: 7:41 am on December 12th

wGardens writes: Judging from these FABULOUS containers... we are in for yet another treat when we see the gardens that you create! Posted: 7:13 am on December 12th

trashywoman62 writes: Sue I commend your spirit...leaving the beautiful state of WA for a desert in NV! Were you on the coastal side of the mountains? As a gardener, I am sure the new challenges are very exciting for you. Your bright and unique container plantings give us a glimpse into your future garden. I am looking forward to seeing pictures next summer! Don't disappoint us!
Regina Posted: 6:10 am on December 12th

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.

Advertise here for as little as $50. Learn how

Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog!

Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning so you'll always remember to take a look, or subscribe to our RSS feed. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the day, email us. Send hi-res images to mgervais@taunton.com with GPOD in the subject line. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.