As I may have said once or thirty times, shade is priceless here. The desert has no mercy at noon, and few plants can take the sun at its strongest. Even among the famous saguaro cactus, the seedlings that tend to survive are the ones that grow in the shade of a “host” tree. I have decided to plant trees. You already know about the two olive trees and Bubba the desert willow. Today I want to tell you about a tree named Jackie.
My favorite season has always been summer, followed by spring. Spring is tricky though. It can be the most frustrating of seasons, because it teases you – temperatures rise, then plummet. Bulbs bloom, then it snows. It’s a seesaw.
“The spring came slowly up this way.”
-Thomas Hardy
But something spring is universally appreciated for is its flowering trees. Particularly the cherry tree. A scene like this stops most in their tracks:
Yes, the leaves are still not back, but look. Really — look. A moment worth stopping for.
What could be more beautiful? The Southwest puts on its own spring show with blooming fields of wildflowers and flowering cacti. But it does not give you the cherry tree.
I started reading through HOA‑approved trees for my front yard. During this process, Humphrey was — I hope — thinking about his actions last week in ripping up my germander bush in the backyard. More likely, he was just counting the moments until his next treat.
You can judge for yourself:
The first tree that I noticed on the list was the Jacaranda. I’ve seen it in Florida, and more recently in Sicily. Needless to say, it’s an eye‑catcher.
If you’ve ever seen one in full bloom, you know why:
Is it the abundant gentle pink of the cherry tree? No, but it’s still covered in flowers, and I have always loved purple.
The thing is, trees aren’t cheap. And given the high risk with any plant purchase here, particularly at this time of year, it didn’t seem like the right time to invest. Also, sometimes the budget is there and sometimes it isn’t. Bubba was on the high end. Then I looked to see if anyone sold them on Etsy. I ordered this:
Isn’t she cute? How could I not call her Jackie?
This baby is not meant for putting in the ground in Phoenix in May. That would be cruel, and she would not make it, shaded or otherwise. So, at least for the first summer, Jackie is growing in a nursery pot (white — this is important; no black pots) in the Hygge Garden. She gets morning sun and afternoon shade. I usually have the pot sitting in one of my raised containers so the radiant heat from the concrete pavers isn’t an issue.
And how is Jackie doing?
See for yourself:
Quite well, I’d say! I hadn’t realized myself until I compared the pictures. Take photos, even if they’re just for yourself. It’s encouraging to see progress, and sometimes our negative glasses stop us from noticing it without the visual evidence.
If anyone asks what hygge looks like in triple‑digit heat, these before‑and‑after photos of Jackie are my answer.
A little progress, a little shade, a little hope.
Once more unto the breach,
🌿 Ruby
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