Gardening on the Moon ( GOTM )

Written by Jeff

Non-GOTM pictures credited by hover notes – move cursor over image

Last year we divided one of our variegated agaves by removing several pups which have done quite well through the fall and winter. Pictured are two pups in our landscape and one that is in a pot near the driveway. These plants wintered well with little water and did not have to be sheltered from frost because of the mild winter.

We have our natural plants as well. Our Chollas are in bloom as well as our Hedgehog and Prickly Pear cactus. We are also pleased that a rescued Saguaro that was moved to the front of our house made it through winter and seems to be doing as well as can be expected. While many Saguaros get their start under trees and/or among other “nurse” plants, this one was growing under a couple of Palo Verdes in deep shade from which it would never be freed and probably would not do well so we moved it.

Pictured above is a large Buckhorn Cholla (may be a Staghorn, but I think Buckhorn is probably correct) and a close up of the flower. They aren’t very attractive when not in bloom, but when they have an abundance of flowers, they do bring their own beauty to the desert. Our Prickly Pear, pictured below, also has a number of yellow blooms which show well against the purple paddles.

The Claret Cup cactus has already flowered and is now resting until next year. It is spectacular when in bloom which makes them worthwhile to grow in the landscapes of the desert southwest. We are still awaiting the showy blooms of the Mamillaria and the Saguaro flowers themselves which will bloom later in the spring and into the summer.

Bottlebrush Little John did very well in establishing itself in our landscape package. It began blooming in late winter and hasn’t stopped since. I anticipate that the flowering will stop once the hot weather hits which should begin any day now. This has been a cool early April, but we will take it!

Several plants have bloomed throughout the winter such as the Lantana, Cypress Honeysuckle and Mexican Honeysuckle. The latter two have hosted lunch or dinner for numerous humming birds. We also like to put a bromeliad on the patio table. Once or twice a day, depending upon the temperature, we place water in the crown and “cups” formed by the leaves. The flower last for weeks and the plant costs no more than cut flowers at the supermarket. It also makes for an interesting conversation piece. This particular bromeliad was purchased at a big box store for approximately $8.

Considering the obstacles I faced with my broken bone and my inability to take advantage of the cool spring weather, the plants are doing fairly well. I need to transplant and rejuvenate several pots of specimen plants so they can make it through the hot weather which will soon be here. I was hoping to have more time between rejuvenation and the onslaught of heat, but we will do the best we can.

I hope your gardens are off to a good start. If you live in the desert southwest, share with us what you have blooming in your spring garden.

Young saguaro

(rocks used to add stability as takes hold

Saguaro buds forming on mature plants

Read Part I of How Does My Garden Grow April, 2009

Gardening on the Moon, www.gardeningonthemoon.com, originally published this post