Southwestern Deserts
April, 2004
Regional Report
Shows & Events
Parade of Ponds
It may take the entire weekend to see the more than 40 ponds and water gardens on this self-guided tour held May 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or just visit the ones near you for inspiration. Ponds are both public and private in all sorts of styles and sizes. Other features include the National Spa and Pool Institute's state-of-the-art pool equipment and water safety devices, a permaculture yard designed to be self-sustaining, and a pond designed for snorkeling. Some gardens will feature local artists exhibiting garden art, ironwork, paintings, and pottery. Tickets are $15 per person (children 12 and under free) and can be purchased at University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Rd., Phoenix, or on-line at http://www.PondGnome.com. Proceeds benefit the 4-H Youth Gardening Program.
Favorite or New Plant
Partridge Breast Aloe
Partridge breast aloe (Aloe variegata) always catches my eye. It has rich green foliage with white speckles that really do resemble partridge markings. This aloe is low growing and clumping. It blooms with a short, salmon-colored flower in late winter. Like most aloes, it does best in partial shade. I like it tucked in next to a boulder, but it also makes a nice container plant.
