Southwestern Deserts
May, 2008
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
Air Pollution Reduces Flower Fragrance
The decline of honeybee and native bee populations has been widely reported in the press, and a number of factors have been attributed to the decline, such as mites, disease, and stress. Now air...
New Multicolored Wallflower
Wallflowers are tender perennials that can also be grown as biennials in cold climates. This quintessential English flower features strap-like leaves and tender stems of brightly colored blossoms....
Choosing Roses for Your Region
The All-America Rose Selections (AARS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the introduction and promotion of award-winning roses. For 70 years they have trialed rose varieties across the...
Recipes from the Garden
Rosalind Creasy is considered a leader in the edible landscaping movement. Her famous book, The Complete Guide to Edible Landscaping (Sierra Club Books, 1982), is a bible for many home...
In the Garden
Artichokes
Catherine de Medici, it is said, saw globe artichokes growing in Florentine gardens and introduced them to French cuisine. Native to Mediterranean areas, these delicacies that we slurp with butter are actually immature flower buds. The center of the...
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Resources
Favorite or New Plant
Mexican Hat Mexican hat ( Ratibida columnifera ) is a wildflower that's a summer workhorse, blooming...
Clever Gardening Technique
Siting Backlit Plants As the sun's angle changes through the seasons, the best areas in any landscape to show off...
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Regional Reminders
- Treat Pearl Scale
- Maintain Tomatoes
- Watch for Butterflies and Caterpillars
- Protect Deciduous Fruit
- Reprogram Automatic Timers
