desert - Barb's Back Yard

Butterflies in the desert

May 16, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Karen sent these photos from a butterfly exhibit at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Gardens, which is nestled in the beautiful red buttes of Papago Park. Serving the community for over 70 years, the gardens are committed to preserving desert plants and educating people about the fragile desert eco-environment. They offer a variety of classes to learn more about how to preserve the desert - and how to plan your own gardens. They also offer many events throughout the year, including art exhibits and a jazz series in the gardens. Check out the Allan Houser exhibit through the end of this month, or attend one of the many jazz events through June. Or, simply enjoy these beautiful photos from Karen's desert visit. : )...

Desert in bloom: Jack’s backyard part 2

March 23, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

What a difference two years makes! Jack's desert oasis continues to boast color, shade and comfort. But look at how everything has filled in as it matured! Notice the mesquite tree and how the green leaves provide shade and background for the colors throughout. The green from the tree, and surrounding plants, add a softness and shade to the landscape. Colors from potted plants and blooming plants really pop against the soothing backdrop. Jack's design brilliantly relies on a lot of desert plants, so almost everything works with the climate - meaning less work to keep everything thriving. One casualty from the original design: a Queen Palm. As Jack says: One has lived and I cut the other down...my nursery has quit stocking them as they freeze too easily and suffer from the heat. They need to be on the coast in Southern California. Best of all, everything works together in scale. From the beginning, Jack left space for the plants to mature. (Compare this...

Desert Landscape: Jack’s backyard Part 1

February 10, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Arizona’s climate favors drought resistant gardens, and rewards gardeners who understand the environment they work with. My friend Jack “gets it” and tends to an amazing garden in his backyard. When Jack and his wife moved in, they literally had a blank desert canvas to work with. In a brand new home, they began creating a beautiful setting in harmony with the desert’s nature. But not without a little trial and error to begin with. Here’s some sage advice from Jack: (more…)...