Citrus Trees

orange tree

Living in the desert southwest we are blessed to have the ideal climate for citrus trees. Citrus trees, due to their non-deciduous nature, are able to thrive in our mild winter and spring months, and then slow their growth in the colder and hotter months. Due to their ability to slow their growth, versus going dormant, citrus trees maintain their leaves and beauty all year long. They do not, however, … Read More →

Natural Garden Recipes

baby shampoo

Here are wonderful alternatives to synthetic chemicals — and they’re easy to make. Gin Weed Control: 1 oz. gin 1 oz. apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. baby shampoo 1 quart water Mix ingredients in a bowl; transfer to a spray bottle. On a hot, sunny day, spray this mixture on the weeds. Cat-Away Solution: 2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper 3 Tbsp. powdered mustard 5 Tbsp. plain flour 1 large bowl 2 … Read More →

Herbs That Heal

aloe vera

Planting an herb garden is going to do a lot for you besides add tasty ingredients to your food. Herbs can help heal many of the problems that ail you. For centuries, farmers, gardeners, herbalists and scientists have grown and developed herbs to help people feel better. They are a source of vitamins and are still used to a great extent in Europe and Asia. Even now, pharmaceutical companies study … Read More →

Go Tropical in Your Landscape

avocado

One of the greatest benefits of living in the Valley is the warm weather, which allows us to grow a wide assortment of plants. If you want to try your green thumb at a few tropical varieties of fruiting plants, look no further. I have some wonderful tips! Avocado trees can be purchased from nurseries all over town. Certain species do better than others, so purchase the plant from a … Read More →

Vines

flowering vine

Nothing beats vines for covering walls, garden structures or creating shade. One type of vine that I find useful is the Thompson seedless grapevine. It grows at an astounding rate in the spring, and with the right care, it will cover up structures made of wire, rebar or wood. The Thompson vine will sheds its leaves during the winter, allowing your patio or home to receive warm sunlight. In the … Read More →

Attracting Birds and Butterflies

Hummingbird in flight

Inviting birds and butterflies to your yard is an effective way of bringing another element to your landscape and helping out the ecosystem. So why not take a more organic approach and start working with nature in your garden? A more harmonious approach is the best solution to creating a healthy environment. Birds are some of my favorite friends. They are great insectivores, sometimes eating their weight in insects every … Read More →


Dave Owens the Garden Guy
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