DesertStrawHouse

January Newsletter

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

What's Happening at DesertStraw House

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.

Book a Tour

Lectures/Events: I'm looking forward to presenting "Integrating Native Plants into Your Existing Landscape" at the Desert Horticultural Society's meeting on Monday, January 15, 2024. You do not need to be a member to attend! The meeting will be at 6:00 pm in Palm Springs at Mizell Senior Center. For more information, visit their website at deserthorticulturalsociety.org or click the link below. For those of you who attended my talk at CV Garden Day, this is the full presentation.

Desert Horticultural Society Events

Join us on January 7, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage for their new habitat dedication! I am doing a brief presentation; Wild by Design: Transforming Your Landscape into a Haven for Wildlife. We are also taking part in the vendor faire. I will be available for questions and will have plants for sale.

There is a new native demonstration garden in the Coachella Valley. Focused on Desert Canyon Habitat, this is the first of five planned habitats. Covering 7,500 square feet and with 25 tons of boulders and over one hundred plantings, this is a beautiful demonstration of a habitat you can do in your backyard. The public is invited to the dedication on January 7 at 10am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage.

Closure: Please note that our nursery will be closed on Sunday, January 7th to attend. You can come see us and buy plants at the event!

Sacred Grounds Dedication

Nursery News: We were too successful in growing tomato plants this year! Come take advantage of our success!

We have a limited supply of 1-gallon plants for $6.

Varieties: Yellow Pear; San Marzano; Roma; Ponderosa Pink; Rose; Rio Grande; Yellow Brandywine; as well as some mystery tomato plants for $5

 

Thank you for being a part of our community, and for supporting our passion for native and sustainable gardening. We hope this new year is filled with plants, native bees, birds, and butterflies!

Warm regards, Lisha 🌱🌵

Let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of plants, in every stage of life, including dormancy. Understanding the reasons behind each phase allows us to connect more deeply with the natural cycles that govern their growth.

1. Flowering: A Marvelous Display of Reproduction

Flowers, captivating in their array of colors and shapes, are not merely ornamental; they represent the plant kingdom's method of reproduction. This intricate process demands substantial energy, highlighting the incredible effort that goes into creating these botanical masterpieces. It's essential to recognize that flowers don't bloom to impress us; rather, they serve a vital role in the plant life cycle.

2. Synchronizing with the Seasons: Nature's Perfect Timing

Plants are meticulous timekeepers, coordinating their blooms with seed production to coincide with seasonal rains. This impeccable timing is not accidental but a strategic move to maximize the chances of successful reproduction. By flowering during periods of abundant resources, plants increase their likelihood of producing viable seeds.

 3. Nature's Pollinator Ballet: Blooms for a Purpose

The timing of a plant's flowering isn't arbitrary; the timing of a plant's bloom is intricately linked to specific pollinators active during that season. It's a fascinating dance of coexistence, where plants and pollinators have evolved together. By blooming at specific times, plants attract the right pollinators, ensuring successful pollination and seed development.

4. Dormancy:  Mirroring Natural Cycles

Just as we need rest to rejuvenate, plants, too, require a period of dormancy. Dormancy is a crucial phase in their life cycle, allowing them to recharge and prepare for the next season of growth. Designing landscapes that mirror the natural cycles, incorporating elements like boulders and anchor plants such as cacti and agave, adds visual interest even in the "off" season. Embrace the dormancy colors of tan, silver, or leafless branches, connecting your design to the rhythmic patterns of the landscape.

6. Nature's Palette: A Canvas of Changing Colors

Appreciate the changing colors of dormant grasses as they transition through the seasons. In landscape design, consider foliage color and texture as equally important as blooms. By incorporating a diverse range of plant life, you can create a visually stunning and ecologically rich environment that evolves throughout the year.

By understanding and appreciating the beauty of plants in all stages of their life, we can create landscapes that harmonize with nature's rhythms, providing a sanctuary for both

WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

January is one of the slow months in our desert gardens. The days are pleasant but there is a possibility of frost at night. Winter Solstice was in December and the days are short so plants are growing slowly or are in dormancy.

 

This is a good time to look at the infrastructure of your garden. Do you need to fix anything? Finish any projects. Check to see what rebates your local water district is offering.

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

January in Your Desert Garden

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