WE'RE OPEN!

What's Happening at DesertStraw House

Nursery Hours: DesertStrawHouse Native Plant Nursery is now open for the season Thursday-Sunday, 9:00-5:00.

Garden Ventures: In October we were working diligently in the DesertStrawHouse gardens. Despite a late start, we successfully planted an array of vegetables that will feed us throughout the winter months. We're also thrilled to experiment with new plant varieties this year, expanding the diversity and vibrancy of our desert oasis.

Nursery News: In the nursery, we're already planning for the next growing season. It's time to prepare for the future, and we're starting by planting seeds for the upcoming season. Our commitment to providing you with a wide selection of healthy, native, and desert-adapted plants remains as strong as ever.

Closure: Please note that our nursery will be closing early at noon on Saturday, November 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

Thank you for being a part of our community, and for supporting our passion for native and sustainable gardening. We look forward to welcoming you to DesertStrawHouse this month!

Warm regards, Lisha 🌱🌵

Embracing New Plants: A Guide to First-Year Care

It's that exciting time of the year when our gardens are getting a makeover with new additions! But the real magic begins when you bring these plants home and nurture them into thriving members of your garden family. Here are some essential tips to ensure your new plants flourish during their crucial first year:

Give Space to Grow:

Consider the mature size of your plant and give it room to grow. Avoid overcrowding, and be mindful of pathways and neighboring plants. Pruning can be minimized with thoughtful planning and adequate spacing.

Know Your Soil:

Understanding your soil is fundamental. Conduct a drainage test by filling a hole with water. If it drains slowly, be cautious not to overwater your plants. When planting, use native soil. Amendments are necessary only if your soil is non-native, eroded, or treated. Limit amendments to 25% of the backfill.

Mind the Root Flare:

When planting, do not bury the root flare deeper than it was in the container. If you choose to mulch keep it a foot away from the plant's base.

Watering Wisdom:

New plants have higher water needs, usually requiring watering every day or so for the first couple of weeks. Focus close to the base initially and adjust the watering schedule gradually. During the first summer, consistent irrigation is vital. As your plants mature, encourage deep and wide root growth by widening and deepening your watering patterns. Consider building bowls to collect rainwater or to fill with supplemental irrigation(aka: your garden hose). This will make for healthy drought-resistant plants.

Adapt to Seasons:

Observe your plants closely throughout the first year. Adjust your watering based on seasonal changes, temperature, daylight hours, and wind. Native and desert-adapted plants in their first year thrive with a deep watering approach, allowing them to dry out between watering but still avoiding extended dry spells.

In this nurturing process, patience is your best friend. By giving your plants the right space, soil, and water, you're setting the stage for a vibrant, drought-tolerant garden. Watch as your garden transforms, adapting to the rhythm of nature, and rewarding you with its natural beauty. Happy gardening! 🌱🌸

WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

As we find ourselves fully immersed in fall, our gardens are undergoing a subtle yet remarkable transformation. While the days might still carry the warmth of summer, the nights and mornings are quite chilly! As the days grow shorter, this is the last month before our plants really slow down in December. 

Have you been contemplating moving a plant to a new spot? Or perhaps you're itching to introduce a new plant to your outdoor sanctuary? Now's the time! The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, helping your plants settle into their new homes comfortably.

By the end of the month, some areas in our valley might witness a touch of frost in the early morning hours. Be mindful of your young plants or growth and consider providing them with a little extra protection as the temperatures drop.

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Topics covered: Planting, Pruning, Flowering, Vegetables, Irrigation, Pests, Weeds, and Fertilizer

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