Southwest Regional Reports
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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.…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…