The Desert Garden
On a recent trip through the California high desert, I was struck by the rapid development of shopping centers and
housing developments, each with a strip of lawn and introduced species from more benevolent climes. The deserts
of the American Southwest have uniquely evolved over thousands of years with endemic plants adapted to the extremes
of climate and sandy, rocky soil. A visit to Joshua Tree National Monument is instructive on what a garden in such a
landscape can be. It is also gloriously beautiful. Note: It is strictly prohibited to collect plant materials of any type from
the monument. Purchase seeds and plants only from a certified nursery.
Winter rains transform the land with a succession of wildflowers (yellow cups Camissonia brevipes, and
Malacothrix glabrata, the desert daisy). Some plants remain dormant for years until just the right conditions.
The jumping cholla Opuntia bigelovii growing in “desert pavement” along with desert senna, Senna covesii.
The desert senna, a member of the pea family, is a fine addition to the home desert garden. I would hesitate to
plant the jumping cholla, however, in places frequented by children and pets due to its nasty barbed spines.
The Mojave yucca, Yucca schidigera, had a myriad of uses for the Serrano. The fibers of the leaves were woven
into rope and sandals. The flowers, fruit and seeds were considered edible and the roots were used to make soap.
A veritable shopping center in one plant!
Desert Indian paintbrush, Castilleja angustifolia.
Desert mallow, Sphaeralcea ambigua, is a superb choice for the home desert garden.
This will grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and is a fine cut flower.
Calico cactus, Echinocereus engelmannii
Carolyn Presley shows her friend Ric around her property in Yucca Valley, CA .
She maintains this as a native reserve, with species seen at the nearby Joshua Tree National Monument.
Carolyn, Francis and Ric rest by Carolyn’s vintage milk truck, “The Bella Donna”. And yes,
it runs just fine, thank you, with a restored motor. Things are not always what they may seem
at first in the desert. Below is Carolyn’s collection of found objects. This garden epitomizes to me
living in balance with the desert, with its moods and beauty.
