Dry Latitudes

There are many wonderful aspects of gardening here in The Valley of the Sun. At the top of the list is fifty-two weeks of continuous planting and harvesting. Overheard:

Mr. Green Jeans: "How did your Sugar Baby watermelon do this summer?"

Mr. McGregor: "I'm harvesting my third crop of fruit."

My mouth waters at the thought of months of sweet, juicy, flavor-filled, home-grown heirloom watermelons. Excuse me while I slurp up my drool. It (almost) makes me look forward to next summer! Granted, the long, hot season limits the varieties to just a handful of Survivors . . . though adding shade cloth increases the range and scope of survivorship significantly.

Rant alert: Here it is, nearly October and I am obsessed by the continuing heat. In spite of September 15 being designated as the last average day of 100 degrees, we are still regestering daily temps in the double digits. At least the nights are "cooler"-85. And there are regular breezes. I'll take what I can get.

Cage 'em, Danno

There aren't enough predators in the Southwest to keep the cottontail population in balance. Ditto the quail, which, in spite of their whimsical charm, are ground-feeders that will just as soon peck at a seedling as look at it, just because they can. The more aerodynamic birds, such as the clever and resourceful grackles and mockingbirds eat ripening tomatoes, just because they can. Javelinas don't graze here in the Garden Compound, but just imagine the damage one night's feeding could produce.
What's a plant-lover to do? Many homeowners in the area encircle vulnerable plants in three foot high chicken wire, in hopes of deterring hungry critters. Obviously, this does nothing for the aesthetics of the landscape, not to mention the effort it takes to maintain plants that are not readily accessible.
Now I confess, the above dissertation is a feeble attempt to justify the significant Expense and Labor that goes into constructing a cage, solely for the purpose of growing a few flowers and vegetables.
Is it worth it? You bet it is. Unless invited in, only bees and hummers have free range. Shade cloth is easily draped. Climbers, trailers and vine-ers have rambling rights along the "walls" and "ceiling." It is a personal space, open to viewership and comment.
Still unconvinced? Noted wellness guru Dr. Andrew Weil, a fellow Arizona desert gardener, cages his crops.

So there.

Brown Out

Life in the desert is anthing but predictable. After just one hour of evening garden fun, I stood up and turned around to see this tan apparition approaching from the southwest. By the time I had jumped in the car, drove home and pulled into the garage (5 minutes, max), I could feel the grit on my teeth like beach sand on a hard boiled egg.
At this time of year, there is sure to be at least one dust storm per monsoon season. This version lasted about an hour and was fairly tame but I am grateful that I didn't take the bike that night!

Beginnings

Here's Dad in Sun City West, AZ. With just a plot (#219) of bare ground, anything can happen. Our goal is a little savory spinach, some old-fashioned sweet peas and a whole lot of friendly garden fellowship.