I simply love the soft airy looking canopy with the unusual green trunk! It isn't a huge tree, so is used extensively in landscapes. Early spring it provides a bonus, yellow blossoms!
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| http://www.gardenguides.com/94049-palo-verde-tree.html |
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Palo Verde Tree
My favorite tree in AZ landscapes is the Palo Verde tree, which just happens to be the State Tree.
I simply love the soft airy looking canopy with the unusual green trunk! It isn't a huge tree, so is used extensively in landscapes. Early spring it provides a bonus, yellow blossoms!
I simply love the soft airy looking canopy with the unusual green trunk! It isn't a huge tree, so is used extensively in landscapes. Early spring it provides a bonus, yellow blossoms!
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Desert Succulent Fairy Garden with an Asian flavor
Earlier this winter I found this adorable Buddha and temple while shopping for Xmas gifts. Needless to say, I decided I needed to gift myself and promptly began planning a Fairy Garden with an Asian influence.
I am just four days away from presenting a "How to make a Fairy Garden" class here in AZ featuring desert succulents, which is what is primarily available here for small plants. So, succulent plants have a somewhat Asian feel to them and I needed a few examples to inspire my audience, who will be from all over North America. I may do a bit of redesign with it when I get back to MN.
I am just four days away from presenting a "How to make a Fairy Garden" class here in AZ featuring desert succulents, which is what is primarily available here for small plants. So, succulent plants have a somewhat Asian feel to them and I needed a few examples to inspire my audience, who will be from all over North America. I may do a bit of redesign with it when I get back to MN.
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| This Buddah is enjoying his little frog companion! |
Friday, January 16, 2015
Primrose
Do you treat yourself to a Primrose in the spring when they appear at the big box stores so inexpensive?
In MN they are usually available early spring with bright colored flowers and ratting looking leaves. (Those leaves are bright green but tender & so easily torn so just trim the ratty looking ones off ). I used to buy one or two occasionally and throw them away when they seem to be done blooming. One year I tucked a plant in among the edge of one of my hosta beds in part shade and was rewarded each spring with a spot of bright color and it spread a bit so was lovely!
While in AZ I just can't resist their happy faces since I've learned they will keep on blooming for a few months! I just need to keep them out of direct sun and water them often! Here I find two size plants and often purchased some of each size!
In MN they are usually available early spring with bright colored flowers and ratting looking leaves. (Those leaves are bright green but tender & so easily torn so just trim the ratty looking ones off ). I used to buy one or two occasionally and throw them away when they seem to be done blooming. One year I tucked a plant in among the edge of one of my hosta beds in part shade and was rewarded each spring with a spot of bright color and it spread a bit so was lovely!
While in AZ I just can't resist their happy faces since I've learned they will keep on blooming for a few months! I just need to keep them out of direct sun and water them often! Here I find two size plants and often purchased some of each size!
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| http://www.thegardenhelper.com/primrose.html |
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| English Primrose - Primula polonantha |
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Desert Suculents
Thanks Denny for driving me all over shopping for plants!
I think he has lots of patience to do this but knows it will keep me out of mischief for awhile!
I just have to get a planter of mixed desert succulents to enjoy and then take home to enjoy until early October! That's 10 months of enjoyment for only $23! They are so great in MN during the hot summer as they will take full sun with minimal watering for a whole week! It takes me quite awhile to select the one I want as they are filled with a different variety of plants!
I think he has lots of patience to do this but knows it will keep me out of mischief for awhile!
I just have to get a planter of mixed desert succulents to enjoy and then take home to enjoy until early October! That's 10 months of enjoyment for only $23! They are so great in MN during the hot summer as they will take full sun with minimal watering for a whole week! It takes me quite awhile to select the one I want as they are filled with a different variety of plants!
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Fairies live in AZ also!
My friend, Harriett, and I went to Queen Creek, AZ the other day searching for fairy garden accessories. We are conducting a class on how to make Fairy/Miniature Gardens using desert succulents at The Citrus Gardens Mobile Home Park in Mesa, AZ in just two weeks! We were researching a place where we can refer people to find a selection of Fairy Garden accessories! We found a great little piece of fairy heaven called The Cottage at Queen Creek and it is chock full of accessories and neat ideas to make for happy fairies! Can't wait to share it with others! And maybe even have lunch near by!
Yep, we invested in some neat stuff!
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Yep, we invested in some neat stuff!
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| Very creative owner also! |
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| Sample of some of the fairy stuff! |
Friday, January 9, 2015
What has arms but can't hug?
One of my favorite things in AZ is the Saguaro Cactus.
It is one signal I look for as we drive along in AZ because it tells me Mesa is getting close so I usually close up my "Nook" and start looking seriously at the scenery!
Interesting to note, it takes 75 years before one of these grows an arm! They are a protected cactus species in AZ. So majestic and only grows in a small area in our country, which is where we are.
Check the link to a website that can provide you with some interesting information on them!
As you can see, the desert is not just bare sand!
It is one signal I look for as we drive along in AZ because it tells me Mesa is getting close so I usually close up my "Nook" and start looking seriously at the scenery!
Interesting to note, it takes 75 years before one of these grows an arm! They are a protected cactus species in AZ. So majestic and only grows in a small area in our country, which is where we are.
Check the link to a website that can provide you with some interesting information on them!
As you can see, the desert is not just bare sand!
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| http://www.saguarocactus.net/ |
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Indoor Fairy Garden
Ready for spring!
Before we left for warmer temperatures for a few months, I shoveled off the snow in my Indoor Fairy Garden . We undecorated our home from the winter holidays décor before we left. The house is all set for spring, including the fairy living on my desk. I left her visiting with her friendly hedgehog so she isn't lonely.
Before we left for warmer temperatures for a few months, I shoveled off the snow in my Indoor Fairy Garden . We undecorated our home from the winter holidays décor before we left. The house is all set for spring, including the fairy living on my desk. I left her visiting with her friendly hedgehog so she isn't lonely.
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| All artificial plants....carefree living! |
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