Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest : Woody Plants for Arid Gardens

by Irish, Mary

• ISBN13: 9780881929058
• ISBN10: 0881929050
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-11-12
• Publisher: Timber Pr

Summary

Like gardeners everywhere, gardeners in the Southwest want home landscapes that include lush, thriving trees and shrubs. But contending with difficult soils, three-digit summer temperatures, and minimal rainfall can pose a daunting challenge. To add to the dilemma, many plants that prosper in other parts of the country can't be grown in the Southwest without resorting to wasteful artificial irrigation. The solution to this conundrum is choosing plants that are adapted to the rigors of the southwestern climate. In Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest, readers will find profiles of more than 200 of the most attractive, easy-to-grow, and climate appropriate trees and shrubs. Mary Irish also provides expert information about how to use trees and shrubs in the garden, how to plant and care for them, and how to combat common pests and diseases. This comprehensive title also includes clear and concise instructions on common tasks such as planting, staking, and pruning. From feathery-leaved acacias to bright-flowered desert willows, tough-as-nails mesquites to silvery Texas rangers, homeowners who want to create an attractive, sustainable landscape will find no better resource.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 11
Choosing Species for the Southwest	p. 11
What Is a Tree or a Shrub?	p. 12
The Region	p. 13
Taxonomic Note	p. 16
Using Trees and Shrubs in the Garden	p. 19
Style	p. 19
Shade	p. 21
Establishing Boundaries	p. 25
Scale	p. 28
Cold	p. 29
Attracting Wildlife	p. 29
Gardens Near a Natural Area	p. 30
Care and Cultivation	p. 33
Soil	p. 33
Planting	p. 36
Staking	p. 42
Watering	p. 44
Fertilization and Soil Maintenance	p. 52
Pruning	p. 54
Pests, Diseases, and Other Problems	p. 62
Propagation	p. 75
Plant Profiles	p. 81
Bibliography	p. 317
Index	p. 321
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