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

What's Happening at DesertStraw House

Nursery News: We are working on some warm season veggie crops like squash, cucumbers, and melons. Stop by the nursery to see what's ready.

SALE SALE SALE!!!: 🌿🌸🌱 Don't miss out on our Planting Season Clearance Sale! 🌱🌸🌿

We are busy propagating for next fall and need to make room.

For a limited time, selected plants are now available at a whopping 50% off! Hurry in to take advantage of this fantastic offer and give your garden the refresh it deserves. We have some evening primrose, scarlet sage, mexican lobelia left as well as a few others🌼🌿🌻

[Offer valid while supplies last. Discount applied at checkout. Visit the nursery for details.]

Tours: We have resumed our FREE Garden Tour on Friday mornings at 10:00am. This is a 30 minute tour of the DesertStrawHouse gardens. In this tour Lisha introduces topics such as wildlife habitats, pollinator and nectar gardens, integrating native plants into your existing landscape, and designing for year round interest. Reservations are required.

If you are interested in a tour that delves deeper into these topics we have a 2 hour garden tour for $15. This tour can be customized for groups. Discounts are available for large groups.

Lectures/Events/Closures:

As our planting season draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our gardening enthusiasts who have joined us in nurturing native and sustainable landscapes. Here's a quick overview of our upcoming schedule:

• March: Open regular hours.

• April: Open for tours and available by appointment only.

• May to August: We welcome you to join us for tours, where you can explore and gain inspiration from our gardens flourishing in the summer heat.

The next exciting event on our calendar is the Botanicals Weekend lecture at The Living Desert, scheduled for April 7th.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for supporting our passion for native and sustainable gardening. Your dedication fuels our mission to cultivate thriving ecosystems and promote environmental stewardship.

Happy gardening, Lisha 🌱🌵

Photo taken at the Universalist Unitarian Church Desert Canyon Habitat Demonstration Garden (Rancho Mirage)

Before we embark on the actual planting in the fall, now is the opportune moment to delve into the realm of gardening and landscape design. It's essential to understand your 'garden personality' – your unique preferences, lifestyle, and values that will shape your outdoor space. This month, as we focus on designing rather than planting, we'll explore how to uncover your garden personality, why it's crucial for garden design, and practical tips for creating a space that reflects who you are.

1. Exploring Garden Styles:

The first step in discovering your garden personality is to explore various garden styles. From modern and minimalist to wild and naturalistic, there's a diverse range of aesthetics to choose from. Here's a brief overview of some common styles:

- Modern: Clean lines, symmetry, and minimalist plant palettes.

- Cottage: Whimsical and colorful, with an abundance of flowers and cozy seating areas.

- Formal: Symmetrical layouts with defined borders and a simple color palette.

- Desert Adapted: Water-efficient plants, rocks, and cacti suited for arid climates.

- Naturalistic: Mimics the local environment with a variety of native plants and natural materials.

2. Considering Maintenance:

Once you've identified your preferred garden style, it's essential to consider maintenance requirements. While some styles may require regular upkeep to maintain their pristine appearance, others embrace a more relaxed, "wild" aesthetic. Factor in your available time and willingness to maintain your garden when choosing a style that suits your lifestyle.

3. Aligning with Your Lifestyle:

Your garden should be an extension of your lifestyle, accommodating your needs, preferences, and daily activities. Consider who will be using the space – whether it's children, pets, or guests – and tailor your design accordingly. Your garden can evolve alongside your life stages, adapting to changing priorities and interests over time.

4. Seeking Inspiration:

Draw inspiration from other gardens and outdoor spaces to refine your garden personality. Visit local demonstration gardens, nature trails, and community events to observe different design approaches and gather ideas for your own space. Springtime, in particular, offers ample opportunities to explore the beauty of gardens in full bloom.

Understanding your garden personality is the key to creating a harmonious outdoor space that reflects your unique style and values. By exploring different garden styles, considering maintenance needs, aligning with your lifestyle, and seeking inspiration from others, you can design a garden that brings joy and beauty to your everyday life.

Demonstration Gardens: Unitarian Universalist Church

72425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage (across from the dog park)

The dedication of this Desert Canyon Habitat Demonstration Garden was in January, so the garden is still young. But it is beautiful and shows how to use your environment.

Aqua Caliente Cultural Plaza Oasis Trail

140 N Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

A meandering path between the museum and the spa is an excellent example of recreating a natural habitat in an urban setting.

Hikes: Wildflowers are blooming! This is a perfect time to get out and see our desert. We have many hikes from easy to strenuous in the valley! Friends of the Desert Mountains have several docent-led hikes each week. 

WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

March is one of the most beautiful times in our desert. This is the time to go on hikes or leisurely drives. Look around and see how nature designs her landscapes. Pay attention to things like how the flowers are tucked into the rocks. The boulders and rocks act as natural nurseries for young plants. Seeds are blown into the base where debris has gathered making the soil more fertile and able to hold moisture. The soil is insulated keeping the plant's roots warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Recreate this in your own gardens!

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Spring is also when you can find local garden tours. Take advantage to get ideas for your own garden and see plants you might not have thought about before.

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If we've had winter rain, the wildflowers are blooming!

Warm mild weather promotes rapid growth. You should be seeing a significant difference in your garden in both the plants and wildlife.

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

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