Bonnie Nowicki As gardeners, we may imagine our carefully tended landscapes as ideal havens for our feathered friends. This past spring and summer definitely proved my home surroundings met their requirements and surpassed my expectations twice over. From mid-February through June, my family, neighbors, and I witnessed the daily ritual of a mother mourning dove…
Bonnie Nowicki The hot, dry weather is here. As we stroll through our yards and think of possible changes or additions, perhaps going native would work in a particular area of our landscape. Native plants or plants from other desert regions are adapted to withstand long, dry periods. When planting native or desert-adapted plants, there…
Bonnie Nowicki Lovingly planted garden containers have the ability to transform an outdoor space into a unique focal point, bringing color, texture, and drama to a nondescript area. Whether your landscape space is small or expansive, a dramatic grouping of three or five containers or one stunning planter will bring a feeling of creative fun…
Nancy Mumpton Stinknet is a fast-moving, invasive weed in Arizona. It has green “carrot like” leaves and rounded flowers. The leaves smell pungent. It can be allergenic. It emerges from November to April and starts flowering in February. Seed is easily spread by wind and traffic. It loves to sprout in the stones along the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…