DesertStrawHouse

February Newsletter

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: The Heirloom tomatoes were a huge hit! We will definitely have more for you this fall. We are hoping to have some other vegetable plants for you ready for March. Watch next month's newsletter for what's available.

We have a few 1-gallon plants left for $6.

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

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

With the planting season coming to a close and us busy propagating for next fall, we need to make room.

For a limited time only, 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. With such incredible savings, these plants won't last long! 🌼🌿🌻

[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.

Book a Tour

Lectures/Events/Closures: No lectures this month but UCR's Wild Coachella is on Saturday, February 24th from 8:00-2:00. It's free and there is no need to RSVP. WE WILL BE CLOSED ON THIS DAY TO ATTEND. See you there!

 

Thank you for being a part of our community, and for supporting our passion for native and sustainable gardening.

Happy gardening, Lisha 🌱🌵

Landscape design shouldn’t just be about aesthetics; it should be about sustainability, functionality, and harmony with nature as well. As our understanding of environmental principles deepens, so does our approach to landscaping. One such approach is the watershed approach. Derived from the natural flow of water, this methodology offers a blueprint for creating resilient and ecologically sound landscapes. I’m sitting at my desk looking out at the rain so let's explore how the watershed approach works in our home landscapes.

Understanding the Watershed Approach:

As we know, deserts are not devoid of water; rather, they are characterized by sporadic but intense rainfall events, limited water availability, and rapid evaporation rates. The watershed approach in home landscapes acknowledges the importance of capturing and utilizing every drop of precipitation efficiently. It aims to maximize water retention, minimize runoff, and create micro-habitats that support our native plants and wildlife.

Getting to Know Your Rain:

Before embarking on any design endeavor, it's imperative to familiarize oneself with the natural features of the site. Observing how water moves through the landscape during rainfall events, identifying topographical variations, and understanding soil types and drainage patterns lay the groundwork for informed decision-making.

Slowing the Flow:

Central to the watershed approach is the concept of intercepting and slowing down rainwater. Instead of allowing it to hastily run off your property, strategic interventions such as dry ponds, riverbeds, and permeable paving allow water to infiltrate the soil. Trees, with their canopy cover and deep roots, act as natural allies in slowing rainfall, while fallen leaves contribute to mulch that aids in water retention.

Natural Filtration and Regeneration:

As rainwater moves through the landscape, it undergoes a process of natural filtration and purification. This cleansing journey removes impurities and recycles nutrients, benefiting both the environment and its inhabitants.

Interconnectedness and Resilience:

At its essence, the watershed approach underscores the interconnectedness of land and water. Every landscape, irrespective of scale, forms part of a larger hydrological system. By mimicking nature's hydrological processes, we not only mitigate erosion and reduce flooding but also replenish groundwater reserves and foster biodiversity.

 

Directions for building your own Dry Pond or Creek

WHAT TO DO IN THE GARDEN THIS MONTH

We are finally coming out of the dark days of winter with the days becoming noticeably longer and the temperature generally mild.

 

Wildflowers are starting to bloom and plants are coming out of dormancy. Now through March, you will see a significant difference in your garden. If you are going to do any planting or pruning projects, now is the time so the plants can acclimatize and recover before the summer.

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

February in Your Desert Garden

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