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Category Archives: Ornamental Gardening
Why is my soil so compacted?
Originally posted on Soils Matter, Get the Scoop!:
Hopefully, the ground in your yard has thawed by now (regrets to those who still have frozen ground!). So why is it that when you try to push your shovel into the…
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Soil
Tagged Berms, Bioswale, Biotechnology, California, Compacted Soil, Compaction, Compost, Defensive Gardening, Dry Gardening, Eco-engineering, Ecological Gardening, High Desert Gardener, High Desert Living, Infiltration, Low Impact Design, Low Impact Development, OHV Impacts, Organic Farming, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Permaculture Design, Permaculture Garden, Rain Gardens, Rainwater Harvesting, Retention, Retention Basin, Stormwater, Stormwater Harvesting, Stormwater Infiltration, Stormwater management, Stormwater Retention, Sustainability, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Swales and berms, Water Conservation, Water harvesting, Water in the Desert, Water Issues, Water Management, Waterwise, Xeriscape
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English Violet Blooms in Mojave Shade
English violets (Viola odorata) take me back to the most magical days of my early childhood. My mother dipped them in sugar and served them to me as candy. Violets were one of the first plants that I drew through … Continue reading
Lupine Seedlings Emerge After Winter Rain
After years of drought we finally got good rain in the High Desert. Lupine seedlings started to emerge in December. I have carpets of them where mud puddles collected. Spring is on its way!
Posted in Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Depressional Wetland Plant, Drought Tolerant, Dry Gardening, Facultative Wetlands, High Desert Living, Landscape Design, Low Impact Design, Lupine, Permaculture Garden, Rain Gardens, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Garden Plant, Sustainable Living, Swales, Water Wise Plants, Wild Flowers
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California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) Adds Fall Color to High Desert Gardens
I took a lot of chances on planting California native plants slightly out of their natural range. Most of them didn’t make it. One of the successes, among my favorites, was California fuchsia (Epilobium canun). I planted mine where the … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged California fuchsia, Drought Tolerant, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Drought Tolerant Plant, Dry Gardening, Epilobium canum, Fall Color, Fall Planting, Garden, Habitat for Humming Birds, High Desert, High Desert Gardening, High Desert Living, Home, Humming Birds, Hummingbird Trumpet, Low Impact Design, Mojave Desert Garden, Permaculture, Permaculture Garden, Southwest, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Garden Plant, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Water Conservation, Water Wise Plants, Xerophytic Gardening, Zauschneria californica, Zauschneria canum
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October Rain | Time to Sow Seed and Plant Bulbs
Its a perfect day for planting in the High Desert. We just had a nice October rain and there is 20% chance of rain for the rest of the day. It is warm and balmy with a light wind. In … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Kitchen Garden, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged California Native Plants, Drought Tolerant, Dry Gardening, Fall Planting, Garden Habitat, High Desert Living, High Desert Native Plant Gardeners, Landscape Design, Low Impact Design, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Oxalis adenophylla, Persian Pearl Tulips, Plant List, Plant List - Town of Apple Valley - CA, Rain Gardens, Shade Plants, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Garden Plant, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Tulipa humilis var. Pulchells, Tulips, Water Conservation, Where to Buy Plants for Desert Gardening, Wild Tulips
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What “cover crops” could home gardeners consider in the fall?
Originally posted on Soils Matter, Get the Scoop!:
Farmers across the country use “cover crops” over the winter. Cover crops do several things, depending on what is planted: Help prevent erosion and topsoil loss. Their roots, and the plants themselves,…
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged cover crops, Desert Gardening, Ecological Gardening, Garden, High Desert Living, Low Impact Design, Low Impact Development, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Plant Nutrition, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living, Vegetable Gardening, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Simple Starter Compost Pile | Wire Basket
A simple way to start a compost pile is to create a wire basket. Take a sheet of mesh fencing such as chicken wire, hardware cloth, or chain link fencing that is readily accessible. Overlap the sides of the mesh … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Compost, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Ecological Gardening, Garden, High Desert Living, How to make a compost pile, Kitchen Garden, Permaculture, Protect plants from chickens, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living, Use Compost Basket to Protect Young Plants
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Fried Egg Plant aka Matilija Poppy Adds Sizzle to Mojave Gardens
My mother introduced me to Matilija poppy when I was a teenager. She planted one in her front garden. The poppy didn’t exactly like where she put it, so it literally moved. It spread by underground stems to where … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Clonal Plant, Depressional Wetland Plant, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Drought Tolerant Plant, Ecological Gardening, Fried Egg Plant, Garden, Great Design Plant, Gully Plant, High Desert Living, Horticulture, Key Point Plant, Landscape Design, Low Impact Design, Matilija poppy, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Perennials, Permaculture, Plant for Sunset Zone 10, Plant for USDA Zone 8B, Romneya coulteri, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sunset Zone 10, Sustainable Garden Plant, Sustainable Gardening, Swale Plant, Tree poppy, Underground Stem, USDA Zone 8B, Water Wise Plant, Water Wise Plants, Wild Flowers, Xeriscape, Xerophytic Gardening, xerophytic landscaping, Xerophytic Plant, Zone 10 Xeriscape Perennials
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Desert Natives Nursery Delivers
If you are tire of spending money on plants that don’t belong here and ultimately die, a local nursery operated by horticulturists with expertise in the local ecosystem is a wise investment. For what I spent taking risks on plants that never stood a chance, I would have been better off spending more money per plant on plants that do well under local growing conditions. Continue reading
Posted in Garden Community, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Gardening Community, High Desert Living, Low Impact Design, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Where to Buy Plants for Desert Gardening, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Value of Ancient Ways – Dialog with Pat Spray Regarding His Native American Ancestor’s Use of Key Hole Gardens
For all our stunning scientific advancements, listening to grandparents talk about traditional ways is well worth while. Sure, some traditions worked out better in the long run than others. As we push the limits on technical advancements, we are learning which traditions are keepers. Native American agricultural practices that endured through thousands of years without environmental collapse are worth in-depth study. Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Biodynamic Gardening, Compost, Desert Gardening, Desert Soil, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Ecological Gardening, Erosion Control, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Living, Indigenous Gardens, Landscape Design, Low Impact Design, Native American Gardening, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Permaculture Garden, Soil Conservation, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Three Sisters Vegetable Garden, Water in the Desert, Xerophytic Gardening
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Houzz Article Features Good Overview of Earth Friendly Gardens
Benjamin Vogt of Monarch Gardens contributed a well written article that presented features to consider and benefits of earth friendly gardens. My favorite, was his use of swales. 5 Ideas for a More Earth-Friendly Garden https://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/65260850//title_on=yes/width=620
Mojave Roadside Swale Blooms After Desert Rains
I maintained the grade of the roadside swale and added landscaping to solve problems: flooding of the intersection, unauthorized “off-roading” across my front yard, and unauthorized cement laying in my corner. An additional benefit has been free irrigation water in an area where water is very expensive. Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Biodynamic Gardening, Bioswale, Biotechnology, Depressional Wetland, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Dry Gardening, Eco-engineering, Ecological Gardening, Facultative Wetland, Facultative Wetlands, Floodwaters, Garden, High Desert Living, Horticulture, Key Point, Keyline, Keyline Channel, Landscape Design, Low Impact Design, Low Impact Development, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Natural Resource Conservation, Ornamental Gardening, Passive Irrigation, Permaculture, Rain Gardens, Rainwater Recycling, Stormwater, Stormwater management, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Swales, Water Conservation, Water efficient, Water harvesting, Water in the Desert, Water Issues, Water Management, Water Stewardship, Water Treatment, Water Wise, Water Wise Plants, Wetlands, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Mojave Aster
Mojave Aster, is easily one of my favorite plants. It features large blue flowers with a yellow center. When it opened it’s flowers in my garden this morning, I had to share it with you. My Experience Growing Mojave Aster … Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Dry Gardening, Garden, High Desert Living, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Permaculture, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Landscaping, Sustainable Living, Water Conservation, Water Wise Plants, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Iris Thrives in Mojave Gardens
None of the iris that I purchased bloomed so far this year. The iris that were given to me, on the other hand, have been spectacular. When I compare iris that thrived to iris that either died or failed to … Continue reading
Apricot and Marzipan Tart Tatin
Little green apricots are showing up on my trees. Not a heavy set, but more than enough for me to want to find new recipes. This one looks yummy. I can’t wait to try it. I could even use marzipan … Continue reading
Houzz Article Provides Good Overview of What to Consider When Planning a Backyard Farm
Article features what to consider when planning: Vegetable Garden Backyard flock of Chickens Backyard farm animals Compost Pile Backyard bee keeping Backyard clothes drying Backyard Orchard
Growing in the Zone
When I am selecting plants that I am not familiar with, knowing which zone my garden is in, can be really handy. Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Backyard Farm, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Gardening Community, High Desert Living, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Ornamental Gardening, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Vegetable Garden, Where to Buy Plants for Desert Gardening, Xerophytic Gardening
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Article in a nut shell, locally native milkweeds are good for monarchs. Tropical and non-native milkweeds may bloom at times that disrupt monarch migratory schedule. Additionally, non-natives may invade natural habitat and destroy native plants needed by many species.Milkweed Can Be Bad For Monarchs?
Source: Milkweed Can Be Bad For Monarchs?
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Gardening Community, High Desert Living, LID, Low Impact Design, Low Impact Development, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Organic Farming, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Sustainable Gardening, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Banana Yucca Blooms for Easter
Happy Easter! Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, High Desert Living, Kitchen Garden, Mojave Desert, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Where to Buy Plants for Desert Gardening, Xerophytic Gardening
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Holly Leaf Cherry Provides Dark Green Foliage With Little to No Irrigation
Native to California, the holly leaf cherry is a tough shrub to small tree that provides dense evergreen foliage, food for birds, shade, and depending on the location, privacy. Continue reading
Posted in Garden Habitat, Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Bird Attraction, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Evergreen, Garden, High Desert Living, Holly Leaf Cherry, Mojave Desert, Mojave Desert Garden, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Privacy Screen, Prunus ilicifolia (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.) D. Dietr., Shrub, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Tree, Where to Buy Plants for Desert Gardening, Xerophytic Gardening
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Firecracker Penstemon Adds Pop to Mojave Gardens
Of all the plants that I have purchased to date, firecracker penstemon has given me the biggest bang for my buck. Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Attracts Bees, Attracts Hummingbirds, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, High Desert Living, Low Impact Design, Low Impact Development, Mojave Desert, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Permaculture, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Sustainable Gardening, Xerophytic Gardening
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“Angelita Daisy”
“Angelita Daisy”, (Tetraneuris ivesiana Greene), provides color and food for bees almost year round. Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening, Plant List
Tagged Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Living, Mojave Desert, Native Plants, Ornamental Gardening, Plant, Success Gardening in the Mojave Desert, Town of Apple Valley, United States, Water Wise Plants, Xerophytic Gardening
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Free Days at Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Gardens
Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden is a great place to view and purchase plants that grow well in Southern California. Their collections and nursery include plants that do well in the Mojave Desert. Their botanists are also a great resource. … Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Botanical Garden, Botany, Desert Gardening, Drought Tolerant Gardening, Events, Free, Garden, Gardening Resources, High Desert Gardening Community, High Desert Living, Native Plants, Organizations, Ornamental Gardening, Plant Nurseries, Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, Spring, Wild Flowers, Xerophytic Gardening
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Cool Fix for Gardening on a Hot Day – Banana Smoothie for Electrolyte Balance
These tasty treats are quick, cold, and help my body handle working and gardening in the high desert heat. Continue reading
Peanut Butter and Jam Donuts – Cool Summer Alternative to Baking Bread
Inspired by Share Your Cool & Easy Recipes for Surviving The Desert Heat by Paulette L Motzko, this donut recipe is a low heat alternative to baking bread in the summer. The donuts are deep fried on an induction burner that can be … Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening, Recipes
Tagged Diabetic, Donuts, Low Sugar, Ornamental Gardening, Plum Jam, Summer Cooking
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Yuzu Tree
Yuzu Tree. Add this one to my wish list! I didn’t know about Yuzu Trees until I read Cast Iron Dan’s blog. Click on the Yuzu tree link to see his blog. Had to laugh about the lime tree in his bedroom. … Continue reading
Pomegranate Jelly
Pomegranate Jelly. Pomegranate is one of the plants on my wish list. Click on the link to see Cast Iron Dan’s blog.
Posted in Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Fruit crops, Mojave Nuts and Fruits, Ornamental Gardening, Pomegranate
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Just the Basics… | Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts | Stuff Maddisen might like
via Just the Basics… | Simply Made Kitchen and Crafts.
Introduction to Integrated Pest Management
Master Gardener, Steve Turlo, presented information on Integrated Pest Management On June 22, 2013 from 1 – 3 pm at the Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library located at 14901 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley, CA 92307. Introduction to … Continue reading
Posted in Ornamental Gardening
Tagged Backyard Farm, Garden, Growing Vegetables in the High Desert, Insects, Master Gardener, Master gardener program, Mojave Desert, Newton T. Bass Apple Valley Branch Library, Organizations, Ornamental Gardening, Pest Management, Plant, Town of Apple Valley, Training Events
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Caliche Challenge 
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