Take a Garden Tour Virtually
By Stephanie Van Latum and Elise Gohlke
During the next year, through our newsletter, you’ll be able to wander down the paths of our lovely demonstration gardens in a self-paced digital tour, using your own device, to learn about gardening in the desert.
All of the gardens are located at the Pima County Extension on North Campbell Avenue, are maintained by committees of volunteer Pima County Master Gardeners, and are free and open to the public.
Our first stop is the Small Spaces Garden which consists of fifteen tiny gardens. Each demonstrates a different concept for growing in a limited space. The gardens receive plenty of water from a drip irrigation system that is carefully monitored and adjusted seasonally. The committee performs light maintenance through the summer and maintains a year-round feeding schedule. Because these gardens have come through the record heat this summer so beautifully, we wanted to share some highlights for you to note. The handful of gardens mentioned in this virtual walk-through are: Trichocereus, Wildflower, Balcony, Rock, Herbs & Edibles, Caterpillar & Butterfly, Fruit Trees, and the Salsa Garden
Just inside the garden is the Trichocereus Garden which features a large variety of red, yellow and white flowers that bloom on this night blooming cactus.
The Wildflower Garden bloomed through the winter and spring. After reseeding in July, this garden produced a beautiful second bloom that has lasted all summer.
The Balcony Garden showcases what just 3 pots can do to enhance even a little balcony.
The Rock Garden has low growing plants that nestle into tight spaces. It has flowered non-stop all summer.
The Herbs and Edibles Garden showcases a variety of herbs and edible flowers. The Zinnias make a great garnish and will provide a bright and cheery accent well into the fall.
Our Caterpillar and Butterfly Garden is full of native plants selected to attract butterflies and support their life cycles. At this time, the butterflies have laid their eggs and now the garden waits for the caterpillars to hatch. Soon, the lush vegetation will disappear as the caterpillars munch away. This garden has successfully attracted many pollinators, including lots of Monarch butterflies.
Small Spaces also showcases many desert edibles, including our fruit trees. The Mission Fig produced two huge crops this year. The figs were delicious and the beetles did not even find them!
As autumn approaches, our other fruit trees, the white & pink flesh Pomegranates and the Meiwa and Fukushu Kumquats will be full and ready to harvest.
The Salsa Garden features four different kinds of hot peppers: Thai, Serrano, Jalapeño and the blistering Tabasco. Also featured are their culinary companions, Oregano, Mint, Basil, Bell peppers and Roma tomatoes - all the fixings for a delicious desert salsa!
The 360 photography is by Ron Quarles.We hope you enjoy your walk-through and plan to visit in person soon!
