Desert/Water-wise Gardens


Feature Writer: Robert Dailey
Robert Dailey in his garden, Camille Dailey

Waterwise gardening is a mindset, not rocket science, but simply using some common-sense methods and techniques to conserve a dwindling resource.

And expect some dramatic side effects.

One is lower water (and perhaps energy) bills.

Fewer harmful salts and minerals go onto the surface of the soil.

Waterwise gardening encourages growth of beneficial microbes, and beneficial macro-organisms (such as earthworms) that feed on them.

Finally, it helps create a bountiful and beautiful garden, healthier plants, healthier soil and ultimately a healthier environment.

You’ll find hundreds of articles and blogs about waterwise gardening and desert gardening here and a Waterwise/Desert Gardening Glossary.

feature articles
Robert Dailey

Curse of the Cabbage Looper

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Reduced vegetable yields, cabbage heads that fail to form and loss of edible portions of plants are the legacies of the cabbage looper. more...

Goldenrod in the Wild

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

There are about 100 species of goldenrod, all native to North America. All are flashy. All host a variety of insects. more...

How Pine Bark Beetles Destroy Pine Trees

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Pine trees, whether they are tall and stately Ponderosa, or gnarled and tough pinyon, are targets of the pine bark beetle. more...

Bells in the Desert

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Esperanza or yellow bells, with green foliage and brilliant yellow trumpet-like flowers, are desert plants, but can be just as at home in a backyard garden. more...

American Beauty Berry

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Drought-tolerant American beauty berry, sports striking clusters purple fruit, yellow-green leaves and elegantly drooping branches in late summer fall. more...

Stunning Redbud Trees

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

The redbud is either a small tree or a huge shrub, depending on the source or the point of view. Either way, a redbud in bloom is a breathtaking sight. more...

Monarchs, Queens, Soldiers and Milkweed

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Larvae of regal monarch butterflies, soldier and queen butterflies as well as grey hairstreaks find their primary food source in the lowly milkweed. more...

Vegetables for Fall Gardens

In: Desert/Water-wise Gardens (general)

Snap beans become sweeter after the first cold snap. Squash becomes delectable. The list of vegetables for the fall garden is as diversified as the vegetables are tasty. more...

All feature articles in Desert/Water-wise Gardens

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