A path or walkway can be creative and inspiring whether you create it yourself, or revamp an old one. Consider using stone or wood, planting borders around it and adding pathway lighting to add charm and style at a reasonable cost.
Did you know that transforming your lawn into a beautiful landscape can offer several benefits? Not only does a landscape increase the value of your property, but it also gives you a personal retreat after a long and stressful day.
You may want to consult with expert staff when choosing your plants. Staffers will likely be on-hand that have dealt with the desert climate for many years and know exactly which plants will thrive easily in your yard.
Permanent plantings are not the only way to add greenery and color to your outdoor spaces. Potted plants can provide the right touch and are easy to switch out seasonally.
A fragrant garden can be cultivated by choosing the right plants for the garden's location and size. Aromatic flowers and foliage are each unique, with different scents and blooming times. Some species are also better than others as cut flowers to bring indoors.
What popular oval-shaped nut is well known as a heat loving, drought tolerant variety? If you guessed the almond, you're right. Conventional almond trees can grow to 30 feet high, but there are also dwarf fruiting varieties that top out at around 15 feet.
"Many types of plants, including popular varieties such as lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers, can grow in containers on windowsills," explains the website wiseGEEK.
Did you know that adding some shade trees to your landscape can reduce your air-conditioning needs by up to 30 percent? Trees can also reduce your heating bills by 20 to 50 percent during winter months.
Palm trees are widely recognized as desert plants and thrive in well-drained soil and warm environments. The fruit from palm trees is large and moist on the inside.
When designing your outdoor living spaces, don't forget to consider the existing landscape elements you wish to keep. For instance, if you have a beautiful garden, consider orienting your seating to give you the best view of it.
If you want to grow your own vegetables, don't be discouraged by a small balcony. A vertical herb garden is ideal, with trellis and climbing plants. How about using bamboo to create additional privacy?
Did you know that incorporating evergreens and other types of foliage into your landscape provides year-round continuity? Deciduous trees and shrubs are known for their beautiful colors and variety but die off during fall and winter months.
When planting a new plant, dig a hole that measures two to three times as wide as the plant, and is the same depth as the root ball of your plant.
Wildflowers are one of the joys of desert climates, usually announcing the spring with bright colors. Many of these wildflowers are annuals that need to be replanted, and with the right selection, you can have bright blooms throughout your year.
Unless you are growing aquatic plants, always check to see that your pots or planters have adequate drainage. Without proper drainage, its easy to accidently overwater or even drown your plant.
Orange Bell shrubs are an attractive addition to any desert landscape. They have an upright habit, thrive in full sun and quickly reach their full height of about 8 feet. In frost free weather, they also produce clusters of orange trumpet-shaped flowers year round.
Divide bulbs after their leaves have died and replant them or store in a cool, dark place. Use care when dividing bulbs and don’t cut them open.
Q: How do you sprout seeds for planting?
A: You simply stick them in a hole of appropriate size, cover the seeds, spray them with water, and put a little saran wrap over them.
Gardeners Quiz: Q: Which part of a flowering plant is often used to make oil? A) Anther; B) Filament; C) Stamen; D) Seed. A: "D" Seed
Did you know that nearly 50 percent of water usage is used for turf grass and landscape plantings? When it comes to desert landscaping, xeriscaping is a great strategy to help preserve freshwater resources.
You can use even a small garden to reach out to others in many ways. Perhaps you’ll drop a basket of tomatoes or a loaf of zucchini bread off to a neighbor, or let the child who is interested in learning to garden join you. Whatever you do, it will touch their lives in a powerful way.
Desert plants often grow in accordance with the amount of space that you provide for them. In fact, when they lack adequate space, the plant will often compensate by staying smaller. Remember that if you want large robust plants, give them lots of space to grow into.
If you do not already have an outdoor fireplace on your patio or deck, you may want to consider having a professional install one for you. Brick, stone, iron, wood or any combination, make beautiful exteriors for your fireplace.
If you’re ever shot with a poison arrow, the antidote is likely in your own kitchen cupboard! Arrowroot is used as a thickener in cooking and as an antidote for poisoned arrows. Good to know!
