Southwestern Deserts
September, 2008
Regional Report
National News - From NGA Editors
New Multicolored Bee Balm
Bee balm ( Monarda didyma ) is known as a widely adapted perennial flower that features red, white, or lavender flowers that butterflies and hummingbirds love. A new selection from England adds a...
Incredible New Hydrangea
From the world of plant blogs comes word of a new, improved version of the popular Annabelle hydrangea. Annabelle is a midsummer-blooming Hydrangea arborescens selection that blooms on new...
New Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Come fall, many gardeners restock the bird feeders to attract a variety of feathered friends to their yards for winter. One of the worst problems with many bird feeders is squirrels stealing the...
Earthworms Spread Weed Seed
Giant ragweed ( Ambrosia trifida ) is one of the main contributors to the hay fever that causes distress to millions of gardeners this time of year. While giant ragweed is quite capable of...
In the Garden
Planting Season is Upon Us
Believe it or not, the low desert's premier planting season is almost upon us. Transplanting in late September/early October provides a lengthy seven-month period for root systems to establish before intense heat returns. This month, many public gardens...
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Resources
Favorite or New Plant
Jojoba Native to the Sonoran desert, Simmondsia chinensis is an extremely tough plant. It takes full...
Clever Gardening Technique
Avoid Tree Staking Although tree staking is commonplace, experts now advise against staking young transplants....
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Regional Reminders
- Maintain Houseplants
- Monitor Water Needs
- Buy Seeds
- Correcting Iron Deficiency
- Trim and Feed Roses
