I hate catclaw vines! I know “hate” is a strong word, especially towards a plant. But I do hate catclaw and let me count the ways. For those of you unfamiliar with this plant, catclaw [Macfadyena unguis-cati] is a perennial woody vine that blooms in the spring with gorgeous yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. Well, that’s all…
Louise Grabell Ants, ants, ants in your pants! Have you ever found a trail of very busy ants scurrying across your patio from one location clear across your yard to another? I’ve found ant highways going across the patio, up into the garden, over the wall into the common area and around the pool. Of…
Louise Grabell My desert spoon died! So sad. How could that happen after 14 years of blissfully growing on my estate? Me, a Master Gardener, lose a plant? I’ve noticed the same thing happening to spoons on other properties, so what’s the story? First, let me tell you that desert spoon (Sotol) is the most…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener Strange things are happening [remember that line…Red Buttons]. It’s so darn hot outside that I decided tell you about some strange things, as gardening goes, that you might enjoy over a cool glass of iced tea inside your cool house. Before I begin, a few garden reminders for this…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener There’s a “thriller” in your garden! Well, there should be. Thrillers are flowers that stand upright and call your eye to their display of blossoms. Thrillers demand your attention. Like irises, Echinacea, penstemon, tall zinnia, etc. I am mentioning this because you will need to understand the function…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener It’s hot outside. That’s an understatement, but what did you expect? You live in a desert and don’t forget it! The next six–eight weeks will be the most difficult time for the plants in your landscape, and extra vigilance will mean the difference between life and death…for your…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener There is a wonderful, care-free and attractive plant I’d like to tell you about. There is a story behind my love of this landscaping beauty that I need to share with you first. You know it is always a good idea to have different shapes, colors and textures…
Louise Grabell Everyone can grow tomatoes! One plant is all you’ll need to harvest plenty of delicious fruit to enjoy in early summer. Growing tomatoes in the high desert of southern Arizona is a bit different from other places. Since I grow my tomatoes in a container, the following will explain how to do…
Louise Grabell Gardening inside is probably a good idea for this time of the year. Soon the outdoors will be more accepting of our efforts, but for the time being, why not consider some easy-to-grow and hard-to-kill house plants. Recent studies even show that indoor plants do have an impact on your health, see here…
Louise Grabell, Pinal County Master Gardener What do gardeners do in January? This is a stressful time of the year and psychological help might be needed! Gardeners need to garden. I, myself, have been suffering withdrawal from my garden! I must admit I’ve been looking to buy sheds online, in order to get my garden…