Episode 806 - Gardening in the Desert Southwest

thomasandtodd.com/ - This episode about gardening in the desert southwest came about thanks to many viewers requesting we cover such a topic on our show. While we do travel the country to share how people garden in all different areas, we had never dedicated an episode to the challenges and unique growing conditions of the desert southwest.
One of the many stunning views at the Desert Botanical Garden
As this episode makes clear, gardening in the desert southwest isn’t difficult. It’s just different. You almost have to unlearn what you know about gardening as it relates to timing and understand that here in the desert, Mother Nature is on a different schedule.
And like nearly all places we visit, working with the existing soil while continuing to improve it with the proper amendments goes a long way to gardening success here.
Special thanks to Brian Kissinger, Director of Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden. He allowed us behind the scenes into his private garden oasis, affectionately known as Casa Encantada. Ironically, we learned about his garden after our first trip to Phoenix. After seeing pictures of his amazing garden and landscape, we made a return trip specifically to include this segment in the show. It’s a real life application of just how beautiful and lush a desert garden can be when using the proper plant choices and paying attention to where they’re sited in the landscape.
Links to places and topics covered in this episode:

[@kellykiley]

Beautiful gardens lots of great ideas. I am so familiar with high Mohave desert gardening and being on water haul it can be challenging. I think Gardening in the Desert Southwest would be proud of my growing accomplishments. My acre and a half is lush with bird of paradise, desert willows, agave, palms to mention a few.

[@paulsmith1411]

Great for Sharing. Now we want to get busy...

[@patrickrussell1888]

The drip irrigation system will build up minerals and salts that plug the emitters. A filter should be installed at the faucet/irrigation control. Better yet, have the filter placed before the emitter system.

[@njione]

I'm so envious of this garden I wish I had more help with mine

[@benmontes7062]

JUST DO IT YOUR SELF YOU CAN DO IT :)

[@assenavogneram6213]

This great...loved the older Guy with the Cowboy 🤠....im with him...its just my way of thinking

[@eleanorerosanova7538]

I hope I can have some of these. High desert California.

[@Kathysart]

Thank you.

[@flexmarchetti]

Amazing plants here