Southwest Regional Reports

  • spring planting ideas southwest
    Southwest Regional Reports

    Spring Planting Plan for the Southwest

    In her article "Spring Planting Ideas," Michelle Gervais beautifully illustrates the magical time that is the start of spring: "Our winter-weary spirits lift as hints of green begin to appear.…

  • variegated agaves
    Southwest Regional Reports

    The Best Variegated Agaves for the Southwest

    When it comes to sculptural form in the garden, it’s hard to compete with a well-grown agave (Agave spp. and cvs., Zones 7b–11). With sizes ranging from 6-inch rosettes to…

  • Southwest Regional Reports

    Essential Hand Tools for the Desert Gardener

    Some people are particular about the garden tools they use. Others take it less seriously and are content with the cheapest things they can find. I’m somewhere in the middle.…

  • Southwest Regional Reports

    Evergreen Perennials for the Southwest

    Purple poppy mallow Callirhoe involucrata Zones: 4–9 Size: 8 to 12 inches tall and 2 to 3 feet wide  Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil  Native range: United…

  • Hardy ice plant
    Southwest Regional Reports

    Evergreen Ground Covers for the Southwest

    From erosion control to weed suppression, ground covers play an important role in the garden. They benefit neighboring plants by shading the ground, which helps keep soil cool and reduces…

  • native plants for formal gardening
    Southwest Regional Reports

    How to Incorporate Arid Native Plants in Formal Garden Designs

    I love the natural shapes of plants in landscape design, but garden style is subjective, and it’s fair to say that gardens should be fun and expressive. We all have…

  • Cleveland sage
    Southwest Regional Reports

    Plants That the Herbivores Will Avoid in the Southwest

    Fionuala Campion says in her article, Dazzling Deer-Resistant Perennials, "Though very graceful and delightful to behold in their native habitat, deer are a voracious force to reckon with in many…

  • Kokopelli daffodil
    Southwest Regional Reports

    Spring-Blooming Bulbs for Challenging Soils and Dry Climates

    I’m always looking to get the biggest reward from the time and energy I put into the garden. I love annuals that reseed themselves in my butterfly garden and perennial…

  • toxic plants
    Southwest Regional Reports

    5 Common Garden Plants That Are Toxic

    Southern California has many flowering plants that are often used for landscaping. But if you have young children or pets that are likely to put things in their mouths, be…

  • trees creating light shade in the garden
    Southwest Regional Reports

    Trees That Create Light Shade in the Southwest

    Shade is welcome most of the year in the Southwest, but too much shade can limit other options. Larger-leaved trees can cast dense shade, and when their leaves drop, extracting…