The Desert Plant World of Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona is old and yet modern; suburban and yet unique. It isn't really a place where people travel for honeymoons, but it does have the biggest state capital population in the nation and is an attraction for tourists. It is home to the majestic Grand Canyon and also home to irritating tumbleweeds. Phoenix appears like a series of contradictions. Perhaps it's interesting and varied history contributes to its appeal.
The original population, which was an ancient and advanced society, may have been killed by an unusually long drought. They had created an enormous canal system and left behind the ruins. The system is actually usable today. When the Americans came, it was clear that what was needed was more water, so the founder, Jack Swilling, worked to divert the Salt River to water the Valley. This permitted people to settle in farms. Phoenix became established in 1868. Stores, a post office, churches, and a school were built. It became officially incorporated in 1881, and a mayor was elected. Despite its growth, Phoenix was still a backwoods community. This would not last long!
When the railroad came to Phoenix, it changed everything. It brought commerce, population, and rapid advancement. This was all well before Arizona became a state in 1912.
In the early 20th century, dams were made to get more water to the Valley. The first was the Roosevelt dam, followed by others. This made the economy primarily agricultural. In the 20s, the cotton boom brought great prosperity to the city.
During the Great Depression, this source of economic security was no longer reliable, and Phoenix turned to tourism to prevent financial disaster. This period of difficulty was put to an end by World War II when military bases and prisoner of war internment camps came to Phoenix. Both military personnel and the prisoners often decided to stay in Phoenix to live, and the city grew again. The war helped industrialize Phoenix. However, when Phoenix growth skyrocketed was when air-conditioning came.
Now, the city is a modern metropolis. It is less crowded than many other cities because of the size of the land. Another factor in its favor is that being part of the desert doesn't have to mean it is ugly. In fact, wildlife abounds, and many in the population Phoenix enjoy beautiful gardens. Few other cities can boast the diversity of plant and animal life that Phoenix enjoys.
For instance, the desert isn't all cactus. There are some beautiful, brightly-colored flowers. One of the most beautiful is the hibiscus plant. It has huge flowers and can grow as a shrub or a tree. It can grow up to fifteen feet tall! The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The foliage is dark green. They require some trimming and regular watering but grow well in full sun. Hibiscus blossoms profusely. The plant also has various medicinal uses. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and may also help to balance blood pressure. As such, it is perfect for a home garden.
Mexican bird of paradise is a generic name in Phoenix for various colors of the bird of paradise plant, even though the name is technically only for one species. These are hardy perennials that do not require much water and do well even in the heat of summer. They can be shrubs or trees depending on the species. They bloom in clusters. They tend to grow over six feet high, but they do require seasonal trimming and pruning. They can be trimmed as hedges. The plant that is named Mexican bird of paradise has small yellow flowers and is an evergreen, while the other types tend to have flowers that are quite showy and are deciduous.
One of the more common plants in Phoenix is also one of the most poisonous. Oleander is not recommended for a garden that young children play in! It does well in drought and has beautiful flowers. It can be found in all different sizes and shapes. It is hardy even in scorching temperatures and will continue to bring beautiful blooms to your garden for much of the year.
The common rose works well in Phoenix as long as it is regularly watered. They can be of all different varieties and colors, or you can get lovely miniature roses for a very small garden. They can grow in pots or the ground. Some varieties have rather substantial thorns. These beauties will not bloom much in the hottest time of summer and will not stand much frost, but in Phoenix, there isn't much frost to be had. They can be delicate or very hardy depending on the species, and some have a fruity smell, while others smell very much like a strong perfume. They may require regular pruning, and while they can manage without a great deal of water, they will produce more thorns if they are watered less.
Mexican gold poppy is an annual that will bring wildlife to your garden to enjoy the warm yellow and orange blossoms. It is a small plant that adds a splash of color to the landscape. It does well in the colder months of the year.
Bougainvillea is a perennial vine that can grow to 30 feet! It can bloom in many colors, including bright pink. It is an evergreen and requires pruning and trimming to tame the sprawling plant. It can bloom year round, and its thorns haven't prevented it from being a favorite garden plant!
Any plants that grow tall or large can be a bear to prune and trim. Some of these plants may soon grow out of easy reach, and the time and difficulty of pruning them is intensified. That may be why so many people have chosen to outsource the care of their garden to professionals they can trust. Here at Lawn Love, we help make the desert landscape beautiful by providing gardening services in a new, innovative way. Because more of the process of getting a quote and hiring is done online, now you can have the time to enjoy your little oasis in the desert! Call or schedule our services online today.
