Mary Kidnocker

By adding their preferred plants to the landscape, you may enjoy the antics of many busy butterflies. Following are a few examples of plants that will please you and these entertaining visitors.

Members of the Agave family are catching attention throughout the Santa Cruz Valley. It is time for their amazing flower stalks to show off. The formerly-bare stalks have begun to

The big question this month is, “When will the monsoon arrive?” This year, we had a realistic rehearsal of June's pre-monsoon.

Some meteorologists are predicting better-than-usual monsoon storms for this part of Arizona. Others aren't so sure.

Every couple of years during the monsoon, the subject of ants returns. It is the time of year when the house and landscape seem to be inundated with the little creatures.

There are many flowering plants that thrive despite the desert's summer heat. Following are a few to consider.

During July we often scan the sky for signs of gathering storm clouds, lightning, rumbles and rain that actually reaches the ground.

Lately, desert willow trees with their fragrant, orchid-like flowers are filling Santa Cruz Valley with soft color.

Throughout ancient history, ornate containers, pots, tubs and vases became focal points of great gardens as well as modest cottages.

Form, foliage and flowers become focal points when planting in pots. Often the containers themselves are eye-catching.