Why summer gardening in Phoenix requires discipline, humor, and occasionally leaving your house without your dog.
Truth be told, I am the last one who should be writing this post. I should be reading it. How do I write about something I am clearly determined to learn the hard way?
Be warned: this is not going to be the post with pretty pictures and a happy success story. This is a learn from my mistakes post.
“Want for nothing but patience.”
-Jane Austen
I’ve already explained the reality of ordering plants for Phoenix. Most of what you order will need cautious, drawn‑out hardening off — and even that may not be enough to save it. I did, however, discover some online nurseries that grow in the desert. Okay, so it’s the high desert, not Phoenix, but it’s close enough. If I baby them a little at first, the plants can survive.
I will (with discomfort) show you the plants I have just chosen to put outside. They are… looking less than spiffy.
No. I am not proud of myself.
The thing is, it’s late May. We had mini heat waves in March, true, but overall the temperatures stayed friendly. Now we’re topping 100°F regularly. With the exception of true natives that want their roots nice and toasty, this is not the right time to plant anything.
June and July are the hottest months here, regularly topping 110°F. To survive that, plants need to be established — as in, not planted two weeks ago. The goal for plants in summer is survival, not beauty. Just as some gardeners in the North wrap their roses in wool for winter, producing a less‑than‑picturesque view out the window, the mindset must be the same here. Survival first.
SO WHY DO I KEEP ORDERING PLANTS?
Is it a disease? Maybe. I think it has something to do with reading my email with my single caffeinated cup of coffee every morning and being dragged in by messages warning me that drought‑tolerant perennials are selling out. Maybe it’s the Northeast garden calendar still burned into my brain. Or maybe I just like plants.
All of the above, most likely.
So I’m promising: I’m done.
(Except for things that won’t be delivered until fall — let’s not be extreme about this.)
In the meantime, here are some other ways to entertain yourself besides plant shopping:
Play with your doodle.
Humphrey is puzzled as to what the problem is. He is always at my side, ready for a refreshing game of “chase me around the yard” at a moment’s notice.
Enjoy a morning cup of coffee before it gets hot.
Again, with your doodle. Humphrey takes this particular responsibility very seriously. He smells my coffee and decides that it offends him every single morning.
Go out to eat (indoors).
Maybe enjoy a tasty beverage. This does not involve your doodle. Sorry Humphrey.
So until fall is here, the focus is on protecting what we have, helping it survive, and appreciating it. I’ve spent many winter evenings in front of a fire with a blanket, browsing seed websites and sketching border layouts. It’s time to do the same now — minus the fire and blanket. Maybe an icy beverage and some breathable fabrics.
Once more unto the breach,
🌿 Ruby
P.S.
I am also going to do myself a favor and do a comprehensive “unsubscribe” email sweep.
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