Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is neither a true cactus nor a succulent, but a desert shrub with a distinctive, thorny silhouette and brilliant red flowers. It can drop its leaves during dry spells and quickly leaf out again after rain. Ocotillo is essential to hummingbirds, adored by bees, and used by many desert animals. The Ocotillo family is small, with just 11 species, and Fouquieria splendens is the most widely recognized. They are native to North and Central America, with a distant sister family in Madagascar....

Grasses are versatile plants that can be incorporated into your garden in dozens of ways. They come in a variety of colors, growth habits, and sizes. They’re a key part of many natural environments and are an excellent complement to vegetable gardens, patios, and those awkward spots where nothing quite fits. Additionally, there are thousands of grasses native to the major continents, meaning there’s a grass for just about everything....

There are so many good reasons to start a garden- for the satisfaction of growing your own food, to enjoy spending time outdoors, to continue fond memories of gardening as a family, and to know how your food is raised. Another common reason people start gardening is to save money on food. But, as some like to point out, growing your own food can be more expensive than buying from the store, especially if you factor in your time....

There are hundreds of types of columnar cactus (Cereus, Pachycereus, Cephalocereus, etc.), ranging from the impressively tall and majestic Saguaro to smaller, cluster-growing San Pedro. These plants thrive in dry climates, need very little water, and reward growers with striking flowers. Columnar cacti are relatively simple to propagate, though the method can vary. In part 3 of this series, we’ll cover the ways to increase the number of columns in your garden and care for the parent plant after you’ve taken a cutting....

There are over 200 species of agave in this diverse genus of succulents. They are part of the asparagus family, and most are monocarpic, meaning they flower only once. Agaves bloom on tall stalks that resemble oversized asparagus spears, producing seeds and sometimes bulbils. Agaves are incredibly resilient plants and a staple in desert and xeriscape gardens. Their thick leaves, fibrous roots, and carbohydrate‑rich cores allow detached pups and bulbils to survive long periods with minimal water while they establish new roots....

Landscaping with edibles is becoming more popular with home gardeners. Combining beauty with purpose is especially practical if you have a small yard. Instead of separating the vegetable garden from the ornamental beds, this approach weaves fruit trees, herbs, leafy greens, and flowering vegetables directly into your landscape design. Edible landscaping lets you have a garden that is both productive and picturesque. ​Start with Structure​ When planning a garden from scratch, the best place to start is with “the bones....

Paddle cacti (genus Opuntia) are recognizable for their round-to-oval shaped segments, which are called cladodes, or pads, hence the name. They are incredibly resilient, drought-tolerant, and an important host plant for dozens of species, and a reliable source of fruit and nectar. They are also very easy to propagate, so let’s get into it. Clever Adaptations Paddle cacti grow in distinct segments that are designed to detach. Each pad is a self‑contained reservoir of water and stored energy, and the joint between pads is a natural break point....

Do you have your garden plans finalized and your seeds ordered for this year? If not, now’s the time to start planning in Planter! As the seed starting season gets underway, we’re launching two handy new plant Quick Info tiles in Planter to help boost your seed starting success: Germination Temperature and Seedling ID. Looking ahead to upcoming changes in 2026, we also have a new podcast episode out where Peter gives a sneak peek of the upcoming Gardens 2....

Moon gardens are a beautiful way to attract night-active pollinators while giving you a peaceful place to enjoy them. There’s no single blueprint for designing one—what matters most is creating a space you’ll love spending time in. The principles from Parts 1 and 2 will naturally shape many of your choices, helping you build a serene pocket of nocturnal habitat. In Part 3 of this series, we’ll explore practical tips, design ideas, and simple strategies for creating your own moon garden....