Southwestern Deserts
July, 2005
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
New Improved Shrub
The Texas Superstar Plant Program at Texas A & M University takes well-known plants and develops unique selections with new characteristics. In 2005 breeders improved upon a common landscape shrub...
New Corn Earworm Control
Corn earworm is a big problem for gardeners across the country. An old-fashioned yet effective organic control is to apply a several drops of mineral oil on the corn silks (where the adult moths...
Clay Controls Weeds
Over the past decade, kaolin clay was introduced as a disease and insect control for various crops (see "High Tech Dust Foils Pests" ). Now, new research from the USDA suggests that this clay...
No-Mow Grass
It's midsummer and many gardeners are getting tired of mowing the lawn. There's no getting around mowing a manicured Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass lawn, but if you have an orchard, vacation...
In the Garden
Amazing Agaves
In the midst of summer heat, when non-native plants are gasping for respite (as am I), native and desert-adapted plants plug right along. They have evolved over centuries to cope with intense heat and sunlight, minimal rainfall, and alkaline soil....
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Resources
Shows & Events
Cactus & Succulent Show The Cactus and Succulent Society of America is holding its 31st Biennial Convention from August...
Books
Agaves and Yuccas The authors of Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener's Guide , (Timber Press, 2000,...
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Regional Reminders
- Transplant Palm Trees
- Aerate Bermuda Lawns
- Sow Sunflower Seeds
- Solarize Soil
- Provide Water for Wildlife
