Arizona Desert December Gardening Ideas

It is getting colder but you can still plant in the desert southwest.

1. It is time to plant bare root roses. Soak the roots in a bucket of water a few hours before planting. Dig a hole that is larger than the root, plant the roses and fill the hole with a mixture of organic material and soil.

2. The rains have also started so be ready for those weeds that are bound to start popping up as soon as we have a warm day. Pull them when they are small so they don't have time to spread. Also, spread pre-emergent down now to help keep the seeds from germinating. Remember, do not put down pre-emergent anywhere you plant to plant seeds.

3. It's time to plant deciduous fruit trees such as apples, apricots, peaches and plums. Look for the low-chill varieties adapted to the Arizona desert climate.

4. You can continue to sow winter vegetables such as carrots, radishes, turnips, beets and kale. Germination may be slower in the cooler soil.

5. It's time for oranges. Harvest your oranges, tangelo, and mandarins. Taste for sweetness before harvest. Go to the local farmers markets for some great local oranges.

6. It's not too late to get your back yard ready for the winter parties. Call Arizona Living Landscape & Design for a custom quote and free design. They can install a fire pit, built in BBQ, concrete patio, paver patio, sod, plants and much more. If you need a yard clean-up before the relatives come over, call them 480-390-4477.

Freezing temps in Arizona mean dead plants

It is near freezing this month so make sure you cover your tropical plants or new plantings to keep them from getting frost bitten. Some examples are any annuals, bougainvillea, Bird of Paradise, tropical vines, Lantana, Hibiscus, orange trees, grapefruit trees, or any plant that is not an Arizona desert plant to be safe.

Check out Arizona Living Landscape & Design winter specials. Get 10% off your landscape installation. Call now for a free quote or Landscape Design. 480-390-4477.
www.LandscapeArizona.com

Eremophila Maculata Valentine Bush

Eremophila Maculata Valentine or Emu Bush.

This is an evergreen shrub with lush, green foliage. It will gro to 4' high by 5' wide and produces red tubular flowers from winter to early spring. The leaves are tinged red in winter. This is an excellent choice for gardens needing some winter color. It has showy red-rose blooms that cover the foliage, is hardy to 15 degrees, and is extremely drought tolerant and does well in full sun.
Plant in well drained soil and allow to dry out between waterings. Shear after blooming, usually in March to encourage bushiness. Plant in a space that needs winter color. It will be a striking contrast to other desert plants.

Arizona salt tolerant plants for the desert

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis). This is an ornamental deciduous tree with bright green leaves that turn red in the fall. The female plant produces clusters of pepper seeds. It grows up to 40' high and 30' wide. The most interesting aspect of this tree it that it turns a brilliant redish/orange in fall. Ths is the only desert tree whose leaves turn this shade of red. This tree is hardy to below 20 degrees and is heat and drought tolerant, requires little maintenance, and is resistant to oak root fungus. Plant this tree in well draining soil, water deeply and infrequently.

Arizona Landscape Design

Here is a page of yard revamp or remodel pictures in Arizona from a licensed landscape contractor in Arizona. Arizona Living Landscape & Design 480-390-4477

Landscape Design

Before: Back Yard











After: Landscape designed with synthetic grass, rock, paver patio, paver curbing, mounding, recessed boulders, gazebo, and landscape lighting.

Flowers for Winter Color in Arizona Low Desert

This is the season for flowers in Arizona. Time to plant and enjoy the winter blooms. Below is a short list of my favorites. For a more complete list check out this website: University of Arizona

Calendula or Marigold: They come in orange or yellow colors, can take full sun, easy to grow, get 15-18" high so would be used as a focal point in the center of a bed or in the back, take minimal water, edible, make a good cut flower, attracts butterflies and reseeds. This plant can be planted Sep. through Nov. and will bloom Dec. through May in the Arizona low desert elevations.

Geranium: They come in red, purple, pink, orange, yellow, or white. Geraniums get 12-18" tall, take partial sun, lots of water, and are easy to grow. They can be planted in the Arizona low desert from Sept. through April and will bloom into June.


Pansies: They come in blue, purple, orange, yellow, white, red, and pink. Pansies get 6-12" tall, can be planted in sun to partial sun but will do better when the heat hits in partial sun, have average water needs, are edible, and are easy to grow. Pansies can be planted Oct. through Feb. in the Arizona low Desert and will bloom through April/May depending on weather.


Petunia: They come in blue, purple, yellow, pink and white. Petunias grow 6-18" tall, require a lot of water, are easy to grow, attract butterflies, and are fragrant. They can be planted Sept. through March and will bloom Oct., Nov., March, April, and part of May. They are frost sensitive and will die off with frost and need to be replanted. May survive light frost if covered.


Snapdragon: They come in purple, red, pink, yellow, and white. Snapdragon will grow 6-36" tall. These are the long stalk type flowers you see in the center or back of arrangements. They do best in full sun, average water, easy to grow and make a good cut flower. Snapdragons can be planted Oct. through Feb. and will bloom from Nov. into May.


Sweet Alyssum: These come in white, blue, pink, or easter bonnet. They are low growing and make a very nice border flower. They do well in full sun to partial shade, take quite a bit of water, are easy to grow and have a nice fragrance. They can be planted Oct. through March and will bloom Oct. through May.


For best results and an abundance of foliage and blooms use lots of mulch and a good pre-plant fertilizer like 16-20-0 ammonium phosphate. Water only enough to keep the soil slightly moist or slightly dry. Too much water causes fungi and will kill the plants just as quickly as not enough water. Also remember if the weather calls for a heavy frost or even a light one cover the flowers with a sheet all the way to the ground. This will help to ensure they stay alive and bloom all winter.

Contact a local Landscape Designer

Arizona Desert Fall Planting Guide

It's fall out there and the weather is finally starting to cool off some. As the southwest desert cools down we need to make some changes in our garden for a winter planting season. Below are some guidelines taken from Home Depot for fall:

1. Get the garden ready for fall crops by adding organic matter such as compost and digging it into the soil to a depth of 12–18 inches.

2. Start watering less often as temperatures begin to drop. Add a rain barrel to collect water from fall monsoons to use in the garden.

3. Evaluate your landscape and make a list of plants that add color, shade or other desired features. October is prime planting time in the desert.

4. Sow wildflower seeds. Buy a seed mixture or choose individual kinds that will thrive in desert conditions. Prepare the soil before planting by removing all weeds and grasses.

5. Prune trees and shrubs that get damaged during the fall monsoon season. Remove broken limbs, cutting them back to the next side branch so you don't leave an unsightly stub.

For all of your Arizona Landscaping needs call a licensed contractor. Arizona Living Landscape & Design 480-390-4477

Fall Plant Guides Arizona

In the fall there are several things to consider with your plants.

1. Ryegrass overseeding - done in late September through early November.
2. Fertilize your citrus trees. This is the final feeding of the year and will help improve the size of the fruit. Spread the fertilizer around the outer edge of the drip line and water immediately. It should soak 3 feed deep throught the tree's root zone.
3. Watch your Agave's. If they have been infested with the Snout Weevils this year, they will fall over in a rotten mess. If so, dig them up and dispose of them before the infection spreads.
4. Spread compost in your garden beds. It is time to spread around 4-6" of compost in your garden and mix it in the existing soil. Compost should be spread in your garden in fall and spring every year.
Call a Arizona licensed landscape contractor. 480-390-4477

Christmas Cactus Bloom Preparation

Time to think about your Christmas Cactus Blooms. Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera russelliana) will start setting buds to flower in time for the holidays. Apply a phosphorus fertilizer in September to promote the bud development and water well. Each evening place the plant in total darkness for 12-14 hours until early October, if possible. Move the plant in bright light but not direct sun during the day. Water when the top inch of soil dries out. It may take 4-8 weeks to bud.

Fall Overseed of Bermuda Grass with Rye

It's that time of year again. Time to think about preparing your yard for fall over seeding with Rye grass. Bermuda Grass will stay green usually into November but as soon as the frost hits, Bermuda will go dormant until Spring. Many Arizonan's over seed their lawn with Winter Rye grass. Rye grass looks and feels very different from Bermuda Grass and will give your yard year round enjoyment, in addition to keeping the weeds at bay in your lawn. We usually over seed in early October.
1. If you plan to over seed this fall, the first thing to do is not fertilize your Bermuda Grass 4-6 weeks before over seeding. You do not want it to be actively growing when it is scalped.
2. Plan to over seed in late September through early November when night time temperatures are below 60 degrees.
3. Cut your watering schedule down by half a few weeks before overseeding.
4. Stop mowing your lawn one week before mowing.
5. The day of overseeding you will scalp your lawn to about 1/2" high and remove all clippings.
6. Spread the Rye seed according to package directions.
7. Cover seed with mulch, composted manure, or grass clipping to aid in moisture and keep the birds away.
8. Water 3-4 time daily for 5-10 min. until the seeds germinate in 5-7 days.

After the third or fourth week, you can gradually reduce your watering to every 3 to 7 days in Nov. and Dec. and every 14 days for the rest of the season, depending on rainfal, etc.

You may mow y our ryegrass after is has grown 2" tall but only mow to 1.5". Do not fertilize until after the first mowing.

For assistance on your fall ryegrass overseeding call a licensed landscape contractor. Arizona Living Landscapes operates in the east valley: Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler Arizona. 480-390-4477

Summer Gardening Tips August

Fertilize roses less often and moisten soil to a about 1 foot when watering during the extreme summer heat. Water in the morning to prevent disease so the leaves will be dry in the evening.

Mulch and water landscape plants that product ornamental berries in the fall. If you water properly no, you will have a full set of fruit by fall.

Prune your shrubby flowers such as Vinca to promote flower growth in the fall. Cut the stems back to just above where a side branch emerges from the stem. Water well and fertilize.

Walk across your lawn looking for dry areas. If you can see your foot for more then a few seconds then you need to water more. Check out our watering guide for Bermuda grass blog. http://azlandscape.blogspot.com/2008/06/watering-your-bermuda-grass-lawn.html

For Sprinkler Repairs or adjustments, call a licensed landscape contractor.

Custom Designed Metal Gates in Phoenix

What better way to complement your Custom Landscaped Yard with a Custom Gate or Fence.
At Thompson Metal Works, our goal is to not only help you design and build your custom gates and fences, but to make the process easy and enjoyable for you. We are a full-service design/build company with a wide range of experience. We can help you with many of your home needs from gates and fences to barn stall doors, and even small house hold items.

Our excellent reputation and long list of satisfied clients attest to our superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity.
Let's discuss your ideas! Your free consultation is just a phone call away. Give us a call today: 480-677-5206

Pressure Washing Services in Arizona

Looking for a pressure washing company to come out and clean your motor home, park model, RV, driveway, house or any other surface, call Sundown Pressure Washing. 480-296-6733. They are located in the Phoenix east valley and use state of the art high-tech equipment. Their chemicals are biodegradable and environmentally safe. When cleaning your house or RV, they will remove the screens and leave it with a spot free shine. Check them out at SunDownPressureWashing.com
You won't be disappointed.

Planning your Flower Garden

Things to consider when planning your flower garden include light, plant height, water needs and bloom time.
Height: plant the taller plants in the back against the wall. If the planter can be seen from both sides, plant the taller plants in the middle and smaller ones on the outsides.
Light: Most plants need at least eight hours of sunlight to produce flowers. You must determine how much water an area will receive and plant accordingly.
Water Needs: Group plants together with the same water needs to avoid over or under watering.
Time to Bloom: If you determine when and how long each plant will bloom, you can schedule your planting so each section blooms separately for a longer bloom time or scattered blooms throughout the years.

What are Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials?

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials?

Annuals: these flowers complete their life cycle (vegetative plant, bloom, setting seed, to death of plant) in one growing season. Most annuals need to be replanted each years but some will re-sow themselved each year. Their seeds are scattered by the wind, etc and pop up the next season. Some examples include Larkspur, cornflower, poppies, desert marigold, canendual, scarlet flax, and Johnny Jump-ups.

Biennials: these plants grow vegetatively in their first year, flower in the second year and typically die after flowering. Arizona has two growing seasons so some of he biennials complete their life cycle in one year.

Perennials: these plants will live more than two years and will bloom each year once established. Some will die back in the off season while others will retain their foliage year round. The off season in Arizona can include the hot summer season and the cold frost in the winter. Many perennials in other parts of the country are considered annuals in Arizona due to the harsh summers or mild winters.

Patio Misting System will Cool you down during summer

It is HOT out there. The only way to continue to truly enjoy your yard in the heat of the summer is to have a professionally installed patio misting system. When properly installed, these patio mist systems can dramatically reduce the temperature in your back yard or anywhere you might need a system. Misting Systems can be installed around your RV, boat, trailer, pool, golf cart, or anywhere you can imagine. Misting systems use very little water (less than half a gallon per hour for each nozzle) and are constructed and installed to last for years. Sure, you can go to a hardware store and pick up a do it yourself kit but you get what you pay for. The key is in the components used and the pump for a true fog effect.

By pressurizing water up to 1000 psi and forcing it through a specially designed mist system nozzle, billions of tiny water droplets can be created. Each droplet is smaller than the size of a grain of salt and are so light they actually suspend themselves in the air. If the water evaporates, it produces cooling up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit making it a very effective method of outdoor cooling. If the droplets are enclosed in an area such as a greenhouse, humidity levels up to 100% may be achieved. Because the droplets are so small, they have the ability to remove small particles from the air making fog systems a very effective method of dust and odor control. Misting Systems can be used within your landscape (mist-scaping) or a fog effect can be created in a pool water feature (Fog Deck). The key to the full effect is in the pump, high-quality materials, and regular maintenance.
Call for a free estimate on a professionally installed patio mist system 480-390-4477

Arizona Desert Summer Flowers

It is difficult to plant flowers with lots of color that will actually survive in the extreme Arizona summer heat. Below are a few that tend to fare well and will work in containers.

Vinca - a summer favorite. These will do well in full sun to partial shade. They need water daily in extreme temperatures and will bloom from spring until frost.






Celosia - this is a flower that I don't have much experience with but plan to plant it this summer. This flower is very hardy and likes the sun. They come in different varieties such as the New Look or China Town.




Portulaca - this is fast growing ground cover type of plant. They love the sun and blooms all over the plant.






Here is a link to a great guide on what to plant and when: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs//garden/az1100.pdf

Contact a licensed Landscaper in Phoenix

Snail Vine - Vigna Caracalla

Snail Vine - Vigna Caracalla (L.) Verdc.

Family: Fabacaea

Recommended Zone - USDA 9-10

Frost Tolerance: In Arizona this plant/Vine will do very well. It will die back with frost but will return in the spring very strong. You can cut it back once the frost hits it.

Sun Exposure: Love full sun and even does well on block walls.

Origin: Central America to tropical South America

Growth Habits: Fast growing perennial vine to 20 feet

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, easily by layering in spring

The Snail Vine is a beautiful vine and well worth growing. It generally dies back in winter, doesn't really do well below 50 or 40 degrees. The snail vine is a fast grower and it will catch up the following spring, growing fast when the weather turns warm and twining up everywhere.
The genus is named after Dominico Vigna an Italian botanist of the 17th century. The species is named after the city of Caracas in Venezuela.

Blooming Habits:
Flowers are usually pale purple, possibly with cream or yellow markings. Their shape reminds of a snail.

Germinating Seeds Video

Check out this video on how to germinate seeds.

Container Herb Gardening Video

Arizona Desert June Landscape Tidbits

Before the monsoon gets here it is going to be hot and dry. Your winter flowers should have already been pulled out and replaced with summer friendly plants. Vinca's are a great flower that does really well in the Arizona heat. Fortunately, you can plant almost any time in Arizona but some plants will do better in the summer then others. Check with you local nursery or Landscape Contractor for advice on which plants will do better than others.

When watering your plants, do not water overhead. Apply the water directly to the soil to avoid evaporation, reduce salt build-up, and reduce disease. You can also put several inches of mulch in your garden beds around plants to cool the soil, maintain moisture, reduce watering needs, and control weeds.

Make sure you are maintaining your flowering plants by snipping off the flowers that are dead. Leave as much of the the leaves as possible on the plants to protect the main stems from the hot sun.

Shade your outdoor gardens as much as possible. If you don't have natural shade you can create one with a screen or a trellis of vines. The more shade you provide now will help keep the plants alive for fall.

Popcorn Cassia Plant - Cassia didymobotrya

Popcorn Cassia, Peanut Butter Senna
Cassia didymobotry
Family: Caesalpinioideae / Caesalpiniaceae
Origin: Tropical East Africa

The Popcorn Cassia can be a shrub or small tree. It produces golden-yellow flowers with a distinct scent of peanut butter or popcorn that open from brown buds in late summer and early fall. This plant grows rapidly. This elegant tree has arching branches with leaves that are feather-like. Also called Popcorn Cassia, because it smells like fresh cooked, buttered popcorn when you run your fingers through the leaves and then smell. It blooms beautiful large clusters of sunny yellow flowers. Small, individual leaflets form alongside the leaf stalk. Sow seed at 64-70 degrees F in a standard potting mix. Grows in full light, water freely during growing season and feed once a month. Min. temp. 61 degrees F. This plant grows well in Arizona and likes the sun.

Height:
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)

Spacing:
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Sun Exposure:
Full Sun

Bloom Color:
Gold (Yellow-Orange)

Bloom Time:
Late Summer/Early Fall

Foliage:
Evergreen

Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Provides winter interest

Propagation Methods:
From woody stem cuttings
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel

Seed Collecting:
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds

What to plant in June in Arizona

It is hot and only getting hotter. What do we plant that can make it through the summer? Warm-season vegetables can be planted in your vegetable garden. These include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, Watermelon, Okra, Corn, Basil, Garlic chives, and lemongrass. sunflowers, (Chocolate Cherry, Cinnamon sun, or Van Gogh for some color variety). It is also time to plant Bermuda seed or sod. Contact a local landscaper for any suggestions or help.

May Arizona Gardening Guide

It's spring in the Arizona low desert. The temps are near 100 if not over already. Your Bermuda grass should be in and green and the winter Rye should be gone. You need to check your watering schedule. Bermuda grass does better if it is watered deeply 8-10 inches. You can check this by putting a screwdriver or something long in the grass and it should go in 8-10" easily after you water. If it doesn't then you need to increase your watering time. If you are experiencing run-off from too much water then change your timer to water several times throughout the day to get the depth without loosing the water. If you do this, you should be able to water every 2, maybe 3 days. Check your lawn and use good judgment. If it is turning brown, increase your water, if your lawn is sopping wet and getting mushrooms, cut back your water or water less days.

Your plants, especially flowers, will benefit from some organic mulch. You can add about a 3" layer to the soil around the plants to maintain moisture, prevent weeds, and lower your soil temperature. As the mulch decomposes during the summer, it will at much needed nutrients to the soil.
Contact a licensed Landscape Contractor for your landscape maintenance

Oakleaf Hydrangea - quercifolia

The Oakleaf Hydrangeas will grow best in Arizona's Hot Desert. This picture is called the "Snow Queen". It will grow in sun or shade, but the blooms last longer if they get a little afternoon shade in hot climates. It does need sun and shade. In Arizona, it should be planted in a place that gets a little morning sun and protected from the heat if possible. Make sure it gets plenty of water but do not let it sit in water. It must have well drained soil. The leaves on the Oakleaf hydrangeas will "color up" best in the fall if they receive some sun. Do not plant it under a tree because the tree will take all of the nutrients and moisture from the Hydrangea. Other forms of Hydrangeas will not do as well as the Oakleaf in the hot and dry Arizona desert. This plant will do great in a large pot that can be moved with the season.
Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade - In the hot Arizona desert it should be planted in more shade.

Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color: White/Near White

Bloom Time: Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall

Foliage: Grown for foliage, Deciduous, Bronze-Green

Other details: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Seed Collecting: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds

Hopseed Bush

The Hopseed is found throughout Arizona. It is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can grow 12 - 15 ft. tall with an equal width. It blooms greenish yellow flowers in spring and fall. The Green Hopseed Bush is an ideal xeriscape plant in Phoenix. It can be grown as an informal hedge or a patio tree.

Form: shrub or tree
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 12-15ft with equal spread
Leaves: dark green narrow linear leaf, alternate; top glossy underside lighter
Flowers: small clusters of greenish-white flower; bloom in early spring
Fruit: 3-sided pod containing 3 seeds; green aging to tan; flat papery wings
Stems/Trunks: exposed trunk with gnarled character when pruned up
Range/Origin: Arizona and Mexico and elsewhere; in washes
Hardiness: to mid teens
Exposure: full sun, okay in part shade
Water: low, drought tolerant; supplemental water improves ornamental quality
Soil: tolerant, good drainage
Propagation: seed
Maintenance: minimal; pruning to tree shape if desired
Other Features: Oleander alternative. Decorative papery fruits attract birds.
Litter: low
Thorns: none

Also try D. viscosa v. purpurea, which has bronze-purple leaves.

Yellow Lady Banks Rose Vine

The Yellow Lady Banks is an extremely vigorous, once-blooming yellow climber that will happily cover any nearby tree or structure. Its distinctive clusters of yellow flowers in the spring make it easy to identify. It is thornless and has little fragrance.

Lady Banks Yellow' is one of the great classic roses. It is the double yellow form of Lady Banks White. It is slightly more hardy than the White Lady Banks rose, but has little fragrance. This rose is generally much too large for a small garden, but it will provide spectacular spring displays when allowed to cover an outlying tree, wall or building. The Yellow Lady Banks rose is very long-lived. The Yellow Lady Banks rose is a vigorous climber that will happily climb to the top of any nearby tree, fence or arbor. Although the plant is thornless, the long graceful arching canes reach and grow into any adjacent means of support. The abundant evergreen foliage is small, lanceolate, and dark green in color. The leaves are very narrow in relation to their length, and always sharp pointed, which seems to be the standard for china rose heritage. It blooms once in late spring and lasts for about 4 weeks.

In order to thrive, this rose needs a sheltered sunny location, but it will grow satisfactorily under a wide variety of conditions. It is tolerant of poor soils and is unpalatable to deer. The ground around the base should be kept free of competing vegetation by mulching. The blooms occur on the second and third year wood, so dead wood and older growth should be pruned out as required.

Height: 15 ' to 20 ' Width: 8 ' to 12 '

Red Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Common Name: Red Bird of Paradise

This sub-tropical shrub is used extensively in low-elevation zones for its extravagant, showy flowers and its incredible heat tolerance. Red Bird of Paradise is a rounded, open shrub with light green, feathery, compound leaves. The inch-wide flowers have slightly ruffled petals that are a deep orange color with varying amounts of yellow. Some forms of Caesalpinia pulcherrima have pure yellow flowers. Although this shrub loses most of its leaves in the winter, it recovers quickly.

Plant red bird of paradise shrub in full sunlight after all danger of frost is past. This shrub tolerates any well-drained soil including rocky, native soils. It does not do well in heavy clay soils. Apply slow-release or organic fertilizer annually in spring. Water established red bird of paradise shrubs every four to seven days in the summer. Water once a month in the winter, or rely on natural rainfall.

Native to: Mexico,West Indies
Hardiness: 30°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: fast
Mature Form: rounded, open
Evergreen or Deciduous? deciduous
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Mature Size: 6' height X 6' width
Flower Color: Orange and yellow
Flower Season: late spring to fall
Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
Other Features: Showy summer color. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Litter: low
Thorns: very small prickly stems

Mexican Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name: Caesalpinia mexicana
Common Name: Mexican Bird of Paradise
Mexican Bird of Paradise is native to Northern Mexico. Its lush, ferny compound leaves provide a dark green backdrop for the bright yellow flower spikes that appear on the branch tips during the warm season. These flowers are followed by woody pods, which "explode" as they mature, adding a little bit of natural music the outdoor environment. This plant grows fairly rapidly 10-15 feet tall and spreads to 15 feet wide. The Mexican bird of paradise can be grown as a small tree or pruned to keep it a shrub.

Plant Mexican bird of paradise in the fall in full sunlight exposures for best establishment. This large shrub is evergreen in mild climates, but where frost occurs, it will shed foliage. Although extremely tolerant of sun and reflected heat, it requires good drainage to thrive. Established Mexican bird of paradise plants require little water. Mature plants may reach a height of 15 feet tall. Regular pruning will help control size.

Native to: Mexico
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: moderate-fast
Mature Form: upright, open
Evergreen or Deciduous? evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Mature Size: 10' height X 8' width
Flower Color: Yellow spikes
Flower Season: spring to fall

Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Attracts hummingbirds.

Litter: moderate
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico
Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Attracts hummingbirds.

Cascalote Tree - Arizona Xericsape Tree

Cascalote
Caesalpinia cacalaco, Synonym: Russellodendron cacalaco, Coulteria mexicana, Poinciana horrida
Family: Fabaceae. Great Xeriscape plant.

This tree produces large spikes of light yellow flowers in most of winter and attractive copper-colored pods. It is native to Mexico and does very well in the Arizona desert. The Cascalote will make a nice patio tree. It is slow growing and only reaches at most 20 feet tall. It can be pruned to shape and thin. It will suffer some frost bite if temperatures go below 20 degrees. This tree does best in full sun with well drained soil. Looks very much like the Mexican Bird of Paradise but larger.

USDA: 9-10
Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20°F (-7°C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Southern Mexico
Growth Habits: Evergreen tree, growing slowly to 20 feet tall, 20 feet wide (6 x 6 m)
Watering Needs: Little to moderate water
Propagation: Seeds
Thorns: Has thorns but there are thornless types

Building Raised Planter Beds/Gardens

Raised planters are a great solution to any garden. They add dimension to the landscape, solve soil problems, they are higher up so people who have trouble getting down can work in them easier, and the soil does not compact like sregular gardens because it is fresh and much easier to work.

The depth of the raised bed can be anywhere from 8" high on up. Typically, if your soil is hard and compact then you will want a deeper bed so you can control the soil and have a nice workable garden that drains well.

Start with your four posts, panels. These can be boards or garden poles or blocks. Make sure the wood is not treated wood to prevent any chemicals from seeping into your vegetables if it is a vegetable garden. The length is up to you also. You can stack several of the garden poles on the flat edge for a higher bed. If you are using blocks, then stack them as high as you want, typically 2-4 courses. You can also use 4 x 6 and only use one board per side. Nail or screw the lumber into corner posts posts to form the corners of the frame. These are square corner posts that are cut to the height of the bed. Use galvanized nails or screws. Nails are easier and faster, while screws are stronger and more durable.

Dig a small trench 1 to 2" deep where the boards will be places. Position the frame in the trench. Level it by either adding soil or digging a deeper trench.

You can build this right on top of your turf unless it is Bermuda grass or contains weeds. They will break down with the soil. Bermuda Grass needs to be completely removed or pick another area. You will spend all your time removing the Bermuda grass from the bed. Fill the bed high-quality topsoil or other amendments and then rake smooth. I prefer the Miracle Gro moisture soil or the Scott's moisture retaining soil for here in Arizona. They hold in the water and distribute it to the plants roots as they dry out. You will loose less water to evaporation and run-off and save you money in your water bill.

The next step is to install a watering system. Soaker hoses work perfect as they distribute water evenly throughout the container. You can install the soaker hose to your existing plant drip system or purchase a timer that screws into your water faucet outside.

The final step is to add plants. Get creative with plant material and vegetables and have fun. If you want to build your planter with block or are looking for help with your raised planting bed, contact Arizona Living Landscape & Design for help. 480-390-4477 www.LandscapeArizona.com

Pest Control Tidbits - Aphids

Pest Control - Aphids

How do I get rid of those pesky aphids on my trees and flowers? The organic way is to spray with a hard streams of water; add 2 oz. molasses per gallon for better results. I have also read to use dish detergent in the water. Also release ladybugs and lacewings.

I have tried this but have not had much success. I ended up loosing five hibiscus bushes by trying the natural way. I did not use ladybugs and lacewings though. The alternative that worked for me was to purchase a strong chemical from my local nursery and spray the affected plant. This saved my tree and kept the aphids from spreading to my other plants and trees. I intend to get the ladybugs and lacewings and releasing them to prevent future attacks. In the meantime, my Desert Willow is getting ready to bloom and is aphid free.

Arizona Low Desert Spring Crops Planting Guide

Ever wonder what crops to plant when here in the Arizona desert? Our planting guide is very different from everywhere else in the United States. Fortunately, for us we have 2 or even 3 planting cycles. We haver our spring crop, summer crop, and fall/winter crop. It is April in the Arizona low desert and time to get your vegetable garden going before the real heat hits. Below is a guide of what to plant in April in Arizona.

Beans - Blackeye. These perform well in the full summer heat.
Corn - Flour, Ornamental, Popcorn, and Sweet. These need to be planted in April and again in July/August. The supersweet variety needs very war soil to sprout.
Cucumber - Armenian and Standard. Plant in April and again in AugustThe Armenian withstands the heat better then the standard. The standard must be harvested frequently for best quality.
Eggplant - Plant now for best production in the fall.
Melons - Get these in early April. They need rich soil, lots of water and lots of room. Harvest in late July, Aug., and Sept.
Okra - Pick frequently to maintian production.
Peppers - Start indoors in winter for best harvest in fall.
Squash - summer, winter. Pick the summer variety frequently to maintain production. The longer the winter variety is left on the vine, the sweeter.
Sunflowers - Very drought tolerant.
Watermelon - Needs rich soil, lots of water, and lots of room.

Arizona April Garden To Do

Set out transplants of hot-weather annuals, including vinca, salvia, angelonia, verbena, zinnias, and sunflowers. These are easily grown from seed sewn directly in the garden. Soaker hoses can be weaved around the garden beds now. Put them out in the sun to make them more flexible before laying them in the garden. Soaker hoses are an efficient way to irrigate. You will loose less water to evaporation and they can be covered with mulch so you can't see them. Organic mulch will help conserve moisture in the Arizona hot sun and it will also help suppress weeds.

Poolside Plants for the Arizona Desert

Here are some perfect pool friendly plants that will flourish in the Arizona summer Heat.


Foxtail Agave - (Agave attenuata)
This is a slow-growing ornamental succulent with bluish-green leaves. It will produce a pale-yellow flower after it reaches 10 years of age and will die after it blooms. The Foxtail Agave will generate offshoots from
the mother that can be transplanted in the yard. This plant will make a bold statement in your landscape and it offers tropical appeal. Agave's do well in our soil and the Foxtail Agave does not have any sharp spines.

The Foxtail Agave does better in light shade to part sun with regular watering in the summer. It will need frost protection in the winter below 30°. It is perfect for containers, borders, rock gardens, or planted in groups.



Twisted Leaf Yucca (Yucca rupicola)
The Twisted Leaf Yucca us a small trunkless plant with olive-green leaves that twist as they age. It produces spikes of creamy white flowers in summer that can grow up to 5 feet tall. The main rosette can reach 2 feet high by 3 feet wide and dies after blooming. It produces several offsets that will regrow. The Twisted Leaf Yucca has eye-catching blooms, has low-water use and is very heat tolerant. It is hardy to -10°. This plant does well in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Remove spent flower stalks. It is great for small spaces, xeriscape gardens and as an accent plant or in pots.



Elephant Food (Portulacaria afra)
This is shrublike succulent with twisted red branches that are lined with green fleshy leaves. It can reach 12 feet tall and wide and produces tiny pink flowers in summer. This plant is a fast grower, drought-tolerant, requires low maintenance, and can easily propagated from cuttings. It requires very little water. It prefers full sun to part shade and needs frost protection. Prune frost-damaged foliage in spring. The Elephant Food is great in containers, can be grown in groups for an informal hedge or can be utilized as screening. It is also perfect for use as a bonsai plant.


Yellow Yucca - (Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Yellow’)
The Yellow Yucca is a clumping perennial that grows to 3 feet tall and wide. Creamy yellow flowers appear late spring through fall on spikes that reach 6 feet high. The blooms are long-lived, the plant is drought-tolerant, cold hardy to -20°; handles reflected heat.
The Yellow Yucca can be planted in full sun. It is tolerant of most soils but must have good drainage. Extra summer watering helps plant develop faster. Remove flower stalks after blooming. It is striking when grown in masses or alongside red-flowering flora. Perfect for xeriscape and cactus gardens. Once established, it requires little or no irrigation. All in all, yellow yucca is one of the toughest and most maintenance-free plants.

Early Spring Garden Maintenance

It's time to prepare your garden to transition from the cool-season flowers and plants to the warm-season planting. Pull spend plants and weeds, rake up leaf debris, and layer 4 to 6 inches of compost or manure on top of the soil to dig in before replanting.
Fertilize roses every six weeks to prepare for their major spring bloom period. This starts in April. If you didn't feed your citrus trees in January, then do so now with one third of the trees' total annual nitrogen requirement. Apply nitrogen to deciduous fruit trees when they begin to leaf out. Winter Rye grass needs fertilization once a month. Your bermuda lawn also needs nurishment to prepare for it's spring arrival. Wait to fertilize tropical plants until danger of frost is over. The last frost is usually mid-March. Native plants do not need fertilization. Pinch or snip off spent annual flowers to promote continuous bloom.

When in doubt, contact a local Landscape Contractor for you lawn maintenance or installation.

Sprinkler Irrigation Tip

Every so often you may need to flush out the debris that may have accumulated in your sprinkler system. The debris can be tiny particles of dirt, hard water, lime, etc. All you do is twist off the sprinkler heads and run the water through the system for a couple of minutes. This will clean out all of the dirt/debris that may be in the system and ensure that you have good coverage at all times.

Chaste Tree - Vitex agnus - castus

Vitex agnus - castus, Verbena Family ( Verbenaceae ), Chaste Tree. Also Called: Monk's Pepper is a large irregular shrub or multistemmed deciduous tree, sometimes single stemmed. Considered pool friendly. Also considered butterfly friendly. Smells Great! Most flower types are purple but there are other colors that are a light purple - pink.
Height: About 10 to 25 feet. Same spread. Flowers: On purple spikes 7 to about 12 inches long, drooping from terminal portions of branches, appearing in the late spring and early summer. Blooming Time: April to June. Stems/Trunks : An attractive rough trunk; multistemmed deciduous tree, sometimes single stemmed. Leaves: The leaves are palmately compound; with an odd number of linear leaflets (usually 5); dark green above, lighter underneath. Seeds: Small hard round seed, smells like pepper, dark purple when ripe. Can hurt if stepped on barefoot. Elevation: 0 - 2,400 Feet. Habitat: Landscaping. Grows great in the Arizona desert. Will be a nice patio shade tree or small ornamental yard tree. This tree does go dormant in the winter.

Online Special 10% off packages extended

Check out our online discount extended through Feb 28, 2009. We also added 2 more landscape packages and coupons to our website. We now have a complete package for both the front and back yard in either desert or tropical theme. Spring is almost here and it is time to enjoy your yard again. We need to think about preparing your lawn for summers arrival and taking care of those weeds. Give us a call 480-390-4477 for an estimate.