Bonnie Nowicki As you know, the monsoons brought an abundance of weeds—those poor plants that are growing in places where they are not wanted. Weeds will invade established landscape areas and xeriscapes in response to rainfall and where irrigation water is applied. Weed populations quickly develop where land is disturbed, such as our gardens. Throughout…
Tag: gardening
Features, July 2021
Welcoming Wildflowers into Your Garden
Bonnie Nowicki The Southwest showcases a great variety of unique wildflowers. They are an essential part of our natural heritage. While spring is the grandest wildflower season because of winter rains, the summer wildflower germination can be outstanding, and begins when nighttime temperatures are over 70 degrees. Dormant seeds rest in the soil waiting for…
Features, June 2021
Cacti and Succulent Basics
Bonnie Nowicki How fortunate we are here in Green Valley to enjoy the beautiful and luscious cacti blooms this season. Over the past two-and-a-half years writing this gardening column, I have shared information about cacti and my love of succulents. I find it’s always helpful to review the basics of growing beautiful specimens in our…
Features, March 2021
Magical Meyer Lemon Trees
Bonnie Nowicki Lemon tree aficionados take notice! Can anything be yummier than lemon bars, lemon curd, and refreshing homemade lemonade? Meyer lemons are prized because they are sweeter, juicier, less acidic, and completely edible (even the peel). Some of my Quail Creek neighbors grow Meyer lemon trees and kindly share their plentiful harvest. I wanted to learn…
Generals, March 2021
March Gardening and Landscaping Tips
Cindy Mayhle, Maintenance Manager for AAA Landscape We hope that you will find this month’s tips helpful for keeping your trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants healthy. Grass * Ryegrass should be watered about once or twice a week depending on the weather. Bermuda grass needs water about once a month. * If you are planning for new…
Features, January 2021
Appreciate Your Garden
Bonnie Nowicki Happy January 2021, dear Quail Creek gardeners. It’s a new year and, hopefully, many new beginnings. Perhaps now is a good time to review our home landscapes. Of course, there are many features we love about our personal gardens. We move through our yards so quickly; we don’t always savor the beauty before us. Are…
Generals, January 2021
January Gardening and Landscaping Tips
Cindy Mayhle, Maintenance Manager for AAA Landscape Here are this month’s tips for keeping your trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants healthy. Grass Fertilize once a month with Ironite for a dark green lawn and less mowing. If you did not overseed the Bermuda grass, water the dormant Bermuda at least once a month. Flowers January is…
Features, December 2020
Plants for the Holiday Season
Bonnie Nowicki, Master Gardener Hello Quail Creek neighbors. It’s time to shake off the almost year-long stresses and allow peace and joy to overcome us. Festive holiday plants are waiting to grace our tables, countertops, and patios. Support your local stores and purchase a cheerful plant or two. My December 2019 article on holiday plant…
Generals, December 2020
December Gardening and Landscaping Tips
Cindy Mayhle, Maintenance Manager for AAA Landscape Here are this month’s tips for keeping your trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants healthy. Prepare for Frosts Now If you don’t care for your sensitive trees, bushes, flowers, and vegetables before the first frost, it’s probably too late, since the first frost will permanently damage them. It is…
Generals, November 2020
November Gardening and Landscaping Tips
Cindy Mayhle, Maintenance Manager for AAA Landscape New from your Landscape Maintenance Team, each month we’ll be publishing tips for keeping your trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants healthy. They are provided by our landscaping contractor, AAA Landscape, who maintains the common areas of our community. We hope you enjoy them! Grass * Bermuda should be watered…