A Garden in the Desert?

Shortly after moving to Arizona, I met my husband online. He lived in Nebraska at the time. We spoke every night by computer and by phone. Early on, he asked me what my favorite flower is. I told him I like Gardenias because of their beautiful fragrance. I quickly mentioned that I don't like cut flowers. I like live plants because they continue to blossom.

The next day, the doorbell rang. There was a box in front of the door with a live Gardenia plant inside, complete with fragrant flowers in bloom! Because it was summer here in Arizona, where the temperatures reach up to 118 degrees Fahrenheit, I kept it inside by the window. When I thought the weather was mild enough, I planted it by my front door. But something went wrong. Although I tried very hard to keep it alive, it withered and died.

That winter, Jeff decided to move to Arizona to court me. We had gotten to know each other and knew that we had something special.

I didn't want him to know that the Gardenias had died, so I went looking for some at local nurseries. I was thrilled to find that they were actually sold in Arizona. Not only that, but they were on sale! I bought one and placed it back on the window sill. I was too afraid to plant it in the garden.

When Jeff arrived, he noticed the flowers, smiled, and gave me a kiss.

The following summer, we were married. He bought a second Gardenia, and planted them both in the front yard. This time, they both survived, blooming every year until we had to leave them behind because we were moving. Sadly, the new neighbors ended up tearing out everything we had planted in the old house, including the Gardenias. There was nothing left but rocks.

As soon as we got to the new house, we bought two more Gardenia plants and this time, we planted them together... again, in the front yard.

Arizona gardening has become an enjoyable experience for us ever since. We have experimented with non-native plants, vegetables, and trees to see what will survive the 115 degree summers, monsoon winds, and the occasional frost that covers the ground on cold winter evenings.

The best plants are always native to this area. But if given the proper care and the right conditions, some non-native plants and trees will thrive. The chances of longevity increase if they make it past the first year.

Sometimes the weather is unexpected. Last winter, the icy frost killed the ficus trees. One year, the 115 degree heat lasted too long and killed many plants, even the honeysuckle vines and some of the young and shallow-rooted Bougainvillea. The time of monsoon storms is predictable, but the strength isn't. Last summer, they toppled and de-limbed trees throughout the valley. The summer heat can cause metal to become as hot as fire, so any part of a plant that is touching metal will burn. Gardening is just not for summer time, but reserved for winter and spring time.

Although it's not a green paradise, the Arizona desert possesses a different kind of beauty... one all its own. The sun shines year round. Cloudy skies are rare, but welcomed. Dry lightning storms put on a spectacular show, and the best time for a hike is after the rain, when the smell of Creosote (above) fills the air.

In winter and spring, the cactus blooms (see the cholla blossoms above), various birds come around to escape cooler climates, and wildflowers cover the hills and line the roads. Quail, Roadrunners, and Coyotes can be spotted crossing the street and roaming the desert terrain. The mountains are not as majestic as the Sierras or the Rockies. But they are filled with unique plants and trees, sweet floral smells, and pastel sunrises and sunsets.

Of course, when summer comes back, it is always too soon because everyone loathes the miserably hot conditions and having to stay inside for four and a half months. Yet, every place is air conditioned and no one goes outside for any longer than it takes to transition from one air conditioned place to another. The mall and the movie theaters are popular places, and cabin fever is just as contagious as it is in Montana. Drive through restaurants are exceptionally tempting and it is not unusual to see someone driving home from work with their windows down while wearing welding gloves because the A/C went out in their car and the steering wheel is too hot to touch. (Cars with leather seats are a no-no.) Anyway, it is uncomfortably hot from May through September. The other seven months -- October through April -- are like paradise. (And we never have to shovel snow.)

As you can probably tell, I have fallen in love with the desert's beauty. I don't mind the heat so much anymore. And neither do my plants and trees. For as long as I can remember, gardening has been a source of rest and relaxation, of talking to God, being alone, and breathing. In the garden, I can escape my duties toward others and focus my mind on the things that matter the most, express gratitude, and ask for counsel from above. So, although I love being in the garden with my family, my favorite time is when I am alone.
Let me show you around my sunny state... and teach you what I've learned about growing things in this hot, but happy, garden. The video below is nothing much to watch, but for best effect, consider starting the video and viewing the rest of the lens while the music plays. Enjoy!