Terra

 Spring is a mighty colorful time in the desert....or it can be with some helpful plant choices.  Today the theme is orange.  If you're a fan, which I am, you'll love some of these colorful spring plants for our Tucson climate.  Our first plant today is the "common" Ice Plant Orange Bush variety.  Place this beauty in full sun and plant sporadically in repetition with the jagged aloe for some kick. Water more as it gets hotter, but be careful not to overwater. Protect from winter freezes. 

 Add rock mulch around the plants for a nice clean look.  It's an excellent choice for pots as well.  Used as a groundcover.

 The second plant that sticks out this time of year is the Clivia Miniata.  Normally this plant is grown as a houseplant, but here in Tucson, it can be planted in almost full shade during the summer with some filtered light in the morning.  It reminds me of an Amaryllis bulb growing outside.  You'll have the flower in winter or spring but during the rest of the year, it just blends in with the other plants and adds a nice green foliage to the mix.  Moderate watering as it gets warmer.  NO direct sun.  Excellent in plantings along homes near entrance ways.   Protect from freezing.

 And how about something that is native here.  Check out my favorite pic from this series today.  It's of the Coral Aloe which is low maintenance.  This hot number is popular with bees and hummers and adds some wonderful color in spring.   Likes sun and is found around the Tucson area in almost every yard:)  When this plant blooms, people, bees, and hummers notice:)

 Why is the shot so "cool"?  Well, in my mind, this bee is flying in "perfection".  Imagine the world through the bee's vision.  What does it see?  What does it sense? If you were that small, what would the world look like through your eyes?

And this last shot is to inspire.  Surprisingly, Tucson has lots of trees that set off pink, white, and purple flowers around the landscape.  Look into the Mexican Buckeye or a fruit tree like peaches or apricots to plant in your landscape. They love our Tucson climate, and honestly, there's nothing better than a fresh peach off the tree in July after a hot day in the garden.  After spring, the yellow and pink will be replaced with green and to be honest.....that's okay.   Create your own masterpiece with agave, aloe, yucca, or other xeric friendly plants.   If you like that desert rain smell, consider a Creosote bush.  When rain drops touch the resin on the small leaves, the "smell" is released into the air and people everywhere go, "Hell yeah, I love desert rain!" One last item.  If you're a high school teacher, you're probably sick to death of hearing about "420".  "Hey Profe!!!  It's 420!"  Yeah...that's great child now go sit down.  "420" is code for pot, marijuana, Mary Jane, etc etc etc.  Every year it's the same thing and it DOES get old.  Don't they know that smoking is bad for your health...let alone your lungs!  Gross.  Thought I'd share. Well  I hope your "420" is great, and I'd stay away from the brownies...if anyone offers:) Now you know and knowing is half the battle:)  More tomorrow.....