Southwestern Deserts
August, 2008
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
DonÂt Bite Me Insect Repellent
Summer is biting insect time, and not only are mosquitoes annoying, they can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and encephalitis. There is a plethora of repellent sprays on the market to...
New Dwarf Agapanthus
Agapanthus, or lily of the Nile, is a common perennial in warm climates (hardy in USDA zones 8 to11). The dark green, strap-like leaves provide an attractive ground cover, while the stalks of sky...
New Community Garden Book
With rising fuel and food prices, many people are turning to growing some of their food. However, people in urban areas or without access to land face challenges to growing their own. Community...
Does Rinsing Apples Remove Pesticides?
Its apple season and many people will be biting into the crisp fruit and enjoying the new crop in pies and sauces. Unfortunately, apples are routinely sprayed with pesticides to control a variety...
In the Garden
Glorious Grasses
Ornamental clumping grasses add movement, texture, form, and color to the landscape. Savvy gardeners use them to picturesque effect, although grasses don't seem to be as commonly planted in the Phoenix area as their many atttributes warrant. On a recent...
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Resources
Favorite or New Plant
Mexican Thread Grass Mexican thread grass ( Stipa tenuissima ) is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and is cold hardy to...
Clever Gardening Technique
Revegetate with Seed Mixes Green a large area economically with a revegetation seed mix containing some combination of...
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Regional Reminders
- Plan for Rainwater Harvest
- Create a Shopping List
- Ready Vegetable Garden Beds
- Feed Citrus
- Aerate Lawns
