Well, with the hottest months of the year greeting us, the best time of day is EARLY morning.
Because my big bedroom window faces due east, I usually wake up before 5 a.m. and after some snuggle time with Archie Bones, I’m up and ready to dive into whatever makes me happy.
This time of year, I love being out in the yard. I check plants, make sure everything is getting enough water, sweep away any debris that may have been whooshed onto my sidewalk or patio, and simply enjoy the fruits of my labor.
Living in the Villas has proven to be both a reward and a challenge. The reward is knowing I don’t HAVE to step outside and take care of my yard, the challenge is taking care of 213 lots as Chairperson for the Villas Landscape Committee. Thankfully, I have a wonderful volunteer support group who are always on the ready should a leak occur, drip systems not functioning, plants that are dying or not conducive to our Arizona desert living, etc., etc., etc.
While many of our SaddleBrooke residents love, love, love that lush green foliage, a lot of those plants are water guzzlers and rob our natural plants of an occasional drink. Have you ever taken the time to check around these plants with a water meter to see just how dry the soil is? It is an invaluable tool which can prevent many plants from root rot, because if they are desert plants, they don’t need excessive watering. They do need occasional deep watering and a good dose of dry fertilizer three or four times a year. Even cacti enjoy some much-needed nutrients.
Are your walkways lined with large green plants? How close are they to your foundation? Receiving water once or twice a week? If they are plush, you may want to get down and check behind them to make sure you have no termite tunnels attached to the foundation. These usually look like rubber bands adhered to stucco.
Here in the Villas, we are working on removing the sidewalk plantings as the recommended space between the foundation and plants is three feet, which most do not have. An excellent alternative is decorative pots with cacti or metal flowers, some of the taller metal Ocotillo plants, a nice sitting bench—I think you get the idea.
Seven years ago, we removed all the plants that lined our walkway on both sides and while I have changed out design ideas over time, I have always kept it free of any water hungry plants. I do have one Candelilla plant which attracts hummingbirds. I hand-water it along with a small Agave in the open area and some potted plants. All are desert friendly and easy to take care of.
The pottery stores in our area have excellent choices that come in all colors and sizes. If you decide to go that route, take your time and select pots of the right size for your area. Most stores will offer free delivery so before you visit them, make sure your space is ready and they can then place them exactly where they need to be. Most are quite heavy, unless you opt for a fiberglass or poly pot
Happy and hydrated summertime to you and your plants!
Rep. Ruben Gallego asks Arizona Court of Appeals to keep divorce papers sealed
