Southwestern Deserts
November, 2005
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Plants to Grow (and Those to Avoid) in Deer Country
Deer are a common problem throughout the country. They love to browse on a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Of course, the best deer deterrent is a good fence. Gardeners also...
Shamrock Plants Get a Makeover
To warm-weather gardeners, shamrock plants (Oxalis) are weeds. To Irish-Americans, theyre considered good luck. The new series of shamrocks available for home gardeners might actually turn them...
Watering Cans With a Flair
Now you can choose an indoor watering can with good form and good function that also matches your kitchen decor. The Oxo Indoor Pour & Store Watering Can -- available in seven colors -- features a...
Growing Fragrant Orchids
Orchids are one of the hottest-selling houseplants. In addition to their beauty, they are easy to grow and they flower for weeks, even months. To top it off, some are wonderfully fragrant. There...
In the Garden
Plant Flowers for a Long Season of Color
There's still time to transplant cool-season annuals in the low desert, for months of lovely color. Most cool-season flowers prefer 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily to bloom their best. If possible, provide an eastern exposure that gets morning sun but...
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Resources
Books
Botany for Fun Author Brian Capon explains the inner workings of plants in Botany for Gardeners (Timber Press,...
Clever Gardening Technique
Ridding Houseplants of Excess Salts Salts from fertilizers and our water sources can build up in the soil over time and be absorbed...
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Regional Reminders
- Thin Seedlings
- Force Paper White Bulbs
- Sow Vegetable Seeds
- Plant Bulbs
- Change Automatic Timers
