Welcome the first post post for the A to Z Blogging Challenge! I am excited to be writing about desert gardening throughout the month of April. You will find that I will be mixing things up a bit with not just posts about gardening, but you will find artwork and photography as well. I am a professional dabbler in a variety of art forms so get ready for fun this month.
Apples
Malus domestica ‘Anna’
Today is dedicated to the letter ‘A’ and I bring you apples and aloe. Let’s start with apples. You might wonder, “Can apples truly thrive in the desert heat?” Indeed, for many apple varieties, the scorching temperatures of the desert pose a challenge. However, there exist a select few varieties that flourish remarkably well in the Sonoran Desert. The key to their success lies in choosing cultivars with lower chill hour requirements. Chill hours denote the cold hours (typically between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit) necessary for a tree to yield fruit. Seek out apple varieties demanding 300 chill hours or fewer, such as the resilient Anna, the esteemed Beverly Hills, or the adaptable Ein Shemer. For an in-depth exploration of the diverse array of deciduous fruit and nut trees compatible with the Doran Desert’s conditions, I recommend perusing the comprehensive publication crafted by The University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension. https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1269.pdf
Aloe
Aloe brevifolia
Let’s now shift our focus to a plant that seems perfectly at home in the desert climate: the Aloe. As a newcomer to this region within the past few years, it’s been a curious sight to encounter Aloe plants thriving in front patches of desert landscapes. Unlike my previous experiences where Aloe was a cherished household plant, here they seem to flourish almost effortlessly, spreading prolifically and, if left unchecked, even overtaking entire gardens. To adapt to this unique environment (and to preserve my garden) I’ve relocated my Aloe to a pot on my front porch, a stark contrast to its former place in the living room. Given the occasional dips in temperature, particularly in my location north of Tucson and at a slightly higher elevation, I’ve taken to covering it with frost cloth when the mercury drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are over 600 species of aloe and the most recognizable is the Aloe vera known for it’s medicinal and cosmetic properties. Most flower in the spring with clusters of tubular flowers that bunch at the end of a long stalk. It is said that the sticky gelatinous interior of the leaves can be used to sooth minor skin irritations or, if consumed, can help with digestive issues*.
There are many other desert dwellers that start with the letter ‘A’ such as acacia, Arizona milkweed, and Arizona rosewood. Tomorrow I’ll introduce you to bottlebrush and botanical names. Why is it so important to arrive at the garden store with more than just a common name.
Until then, enjoy your garden, wherever it is.
*(Obligatory disclaimer: I am NOT a healthcare professional. Before using aloe for any health problems consult a medical professional).
This post brought to you by the letter ‘A’.
arbitrarydustbunnies 