There are over 500 species in the Papilionidae family. They are found on almost every continent. We are lucky to have nine species as inhabitants of Nevada, including the Two-tailed Swallowtail, pictured here. This is a large butterfly, sometimes with a wingspan of five inches. We see them lingering often this time of year, especially in the back yard where they find more moisture.

In its caterpillar stage, the ash tree leaves are one of its favorite foods. Fully developed adults sip the nectar from many different flowers, including Milkweed, which is the Monarch Butterfly's primary source of nutrition, and other flowering perennials. Besides their beauty, they are also very beneficial, especially with pollination. In both stages of its development, the Swallowtail seems to be a favorite treat of all the backyard song birds.

If you're interested in Nevada's butterflies, check out The Butterfly Site's page on Nevada. You can also find information on how to create your own butterfly garden.

The chocolate scented daisy (Berlandiera lyrata) is a Southwest native. It's drought tolerant, loves full sun and opens fresh blooms about the size of a half-dollar, each day during its long season. The flowers grow on stems that reach about 14 inches. The dried flowers can be used for indoor floral arrangements. The plant itself matures at around two feet in diameter.

We bought plants from Dry Creek a few years back and planted them in a south facing spot close to the front porch steps. The morning fragrance is wonderful. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers, as are honey bees and other pollinating insects.

In late autumn, with the first killing frost, the plants die back completely. They disappear, so the first year we marked the spot to make sure we saved the space for their return the next spring. Sure enough, the plants returned, bigger than the year before.

Grow these great little plants along walkways, near the backyard patio or deck or in your rock garden. Just be sure to give them plenty of sun. They can reseed themselves, too, but are not invasive.

Last year we decided we wanted to try growing more berries, but our growing space is very limited; we don't have room for a full fledged berry patch. We do have blueberries and service berries in the ground, but this time we are attempting to grow two berry types in containers. We want to keep the plants tidy and to move them around the yard, if we want.

The raspberry bush pictured was planted in its container last fall. We purchased the plant from Dry Creek late in the season and transplanted the two gallon root ball to a weather worthy ceramic pot. The plant was left outside in the pot all winter. Early spring, we pruned it severely, and soon out came several new canes.

Thee are two different types of raspberry plants. One type -- called 'ever bearing' -- produces its fruit on new canes each year; the other produces its fruit on last year's canes. If you have the ever bearing variety, you should severely cut back the plant each fall to allow new fruit bearing canes to emerge next year, and to keep the plant tidy. If you have a plant that needs two years for canes to set fruit, you'll need to be careful not to remove the canes that will be producing next season. We're unsure which type of plant this raspberry is, so will wait to see whether any fruit appears. If it does, we'll know that the plant is an ever bearing variety. If it doesn't, we'll have to wait until next year for its first crop.

You need a fairly large container for berry bush roots. A 16 or 18 inch tomato-sized pot works well. We've added a tall dried bamboo tripod to the container to give the otherwise floppy canes some support. It's been reported that horizontal support is better than vertical support, so we are trying the less popular way just to see what happens. Thus, we hope to train the canes around the bamboo stems. We will limit the raspberry canes to three -- four at the most, to keep the plant nice and tidy.

If you have limited space, like we do, you might try putting the container on rollers so it's easy to move if the need arises.

This year has been an incredible year for cactus flowers. The blooms started a couple weeks early and are still giving us a reason to tour the garden each morning. The colors are bright and rich on the cold hardy types we've collected from Dry Creek over the years. What a way to celebrate springtime in the Truckee Meadows!

We have two different types of Cholla cactus (Cactacea Opuntia) in our south facing front yard. Both have grown to be quite large and impressive in just short of a decade. Each spring the plants cover themselves in a profusion of buds that begin to bloom in mid to late June. This week one of the two plants has started showing its color.

The branches of the Cholla are cylindrical with joints that segment, allowing for many branches to grow from a single stem. The result is an eventual shrub that stays beautiful year round.

Once established, the Cholla needs very little water and very little care. Sometimes we pick off last year's fruit to start new plants for other places in the garden. They can be grown in containers, too. The relatively slow growth will allow potted specimens to last quite awhile before re-potting, sometimes several years.

Remember, the cacti sold at Dry Creek are cold hardy for our area, which means you don't have to bring them indoors during the cold winter months. They can even sit under several feet of snow for long periods. Some might look a bit rough after the snow melts, but the warm spring sun will perk them up in little time.

Next time you stop by Dry Creek Nursery, be sure to take notice of the large Cholla growing near the entrance, just off the driveway, under the sign.

The fence creates a very visible place to show off some shade loving summer plants. The deep purple Choral Bells is such a beautiful contrast to the light glaze of a twelve inch pot. This plant has been living in the space, year round for several years. We add a bit of new soil and about half an inch of organic, composted Chicken manure as a top layer. The blooms are a couple weeks later than the bright pink Choral Bells in the yard, but those plants get some sun. These flowers are soft white.

The Jacob's Ladder would like more sun. It seems that last year, the plant enjoyed this spot much more than this year. Last year the plant was more compact, more upright. This year it's more leggy, moving all over the place looking for the sun. It still looks great and is blooming.

We waited until now to plant the Coleus out side in its shade corner. Around this yard, Coleus enjoys some morning sun that quickly turns to dappled late morning shade, then deep shade for the length of the afternoon. This one gets full shade.

The purple flowers are abundant and long lasting on the Dalmatian Blue Bellflower. This easy beauty is a type of Campanula and a good choice for the semi-shade or dappled shade garden. This plant (pictured) has been moved several times, looking for its favorite spot and this spot seems to be the one. It gets some early morning sun, with long afternoon shade and flowers for several weeks this time of year. The flowers form a soothing patch of purple color.

Quick color solutions are easy. There are many different types of plants, both annual and perennial, that can be planted in June for immediate color and texture. Plants planted now can be full and in crazy bloom by July.

Annuals mixed with perennials can insure color all summer long. Annuals and perennials in containers, too, allow you to move color to different places in the garden for changing accents, adding interest, and setting the stage for every summer dinner party.

Cactus flowers seem to be blooming earlier than usual this year, and ever so abundant!

The Claret Cup Hedge Hog bloomed in mid-May this season, and now the Beaver Tail is in full swing. In stock are several species with many flower buds on each plant, yellows, pinks, cream-salmon, chrome-orange, green, the colors are spectacular and lure the garden visitors into the mythical desert wonderland that is easy to create with these cold hardy, drought resistant, carefree cactus wonders.

The yuccas, too, are blooming earlier and more abundantly this year. Some plants have over twenty stems rising. Plant them in proximity to create the mythology of the desert right in your own yard.

Currently Dry Creek has a limited supply of many different cold hardy cacti in stock. They grow well in containers, too.

This little Hedge Hog, from Dry Creek Garden Nursery, has been in the ground for eight years. It's a small variety that grows slowly but surely from year to year. The flowers are smaller and more subtle than many Hedge Hog varieties, and is a strange copper yellow green color.

Another cactus that has similar springtime flowers is the Green Pitaya (Echinocereus viridiflorus). The cactus stays small, growing to a height of two to three inches, eventually filling a space between six and twelve inches. This cactus, like most, enjoys very hot, dry conditions in full sun in poor, well draining soils. In other words, it is very easy to care for and conducive to our region of the world.

Currently Dry Creek has a limited supply of Green Pitaya and other cold hardy cacti in stock. This is the time to buy, too, as the cactus sell fast and the blooming season has just begun.

Since we've been having warmer than "normal" temperatures this spring, the cactus flowers have started blooming a bit earlier than usual. The deep red Claret Cup blooms are already almost over while the bright orange Hedge Hog flowers are now in full force. And, these beautiful pink Beaver Tail flowers are just beginning.

For cactus enthusiasts, the blooming season of late spring and early summer is the best time of the year. The flowers are incredibly beautiful and as they open in the early morning, they seem to conjure up the reasons why we love living in the desert: hot days, warm nights, perfect clouds, clear night skies. Live seems hopeful, even fantastic, when the cactus flowers are blooming.

Even with the very dry winter we've had, our Hellebore paid no attention. This one pictured was planted last year in full shade. Frost and freeze-resistant, this beautiful plant did not die back, nor did its exposed, leathery leaves suffer from cold or lack of water. The blooms began about a month ago and are continuing.

Flowers come in many colors and shapes, including green, deep purple, white, pink, lavender and multicolored. Some flowers resemble wild roses. The flower's sepals stay intact, holding the flower's shape for long periods, sometimes for months on end. Plants with cup-like flowers often hold water; wild song birds can often be seen taking a sip just after rain or watering.

Geraniums are very popular plants, but here in the high desert most types you find in local nurseries and garden centers are grown as annuals or indoor plants. Not so with this hardy Blue Geranium. This interesting low to medium high growing ground cover is cold hardy, will grow outside even in bright sun and come back to make you happy with its interesting foliage and true blue flowers that bloom all summer. Deadhead for an extended bloom.

This plant works well as a medium high border plant in sun or dappled shade. You can also grow them in containers, or as pictured here, in full sun in a xeric rock garden setting. They are drought tolerant, enjoy average, well-drained soil.

The Blue Geranium is a Drycreek favorite, but the nursery also sometimes carries hardy geraniums in other colors, too, like pink, purple, magenta and white.

As late spring turns to warmer days, the Pin Cushion (Scabiosa) begins its prolific display of beautiful long stemmed flowers. When exactly depends upon the particular microclimate within which they grow, but this plant (pictured) loves its full morning sun and mid-afternoon shade. Just this week the blooms have begun to open. The blooms will keep coming for weeks and will respond well to deadheading, especially if the the long spent flower stems are cut away. You can also let some of the flower stems mature to collect the seeds, and as years go by, you can divide the root ball for propagation.

Give your Pin Cushion average well-drained soil and regular watering. It can handle semi-arid stretches, but it's best not to allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings.

Honeybees and butterflies love this plant. It works well for medium high borders and as a container plant. The cut flowers are great for floral arranging.

It seems that after the biggest rain day in June in over ninety years, the penstemon are reacting in mass with abundant flowers.

There are almost three hundred species of penstemon (Plantaginaceae and/or Scrophulariaceae family). Also called beardtongue, penstemon vary greatly, with many shapes and sizes with flowers in a wide range of colors: blue, magenta, orange, pink, purple, red, white and even yellow. Foliage is varied, too, some with broad bright green leaves, others with delicate gray green, still others with almost blue leaves. Some types are tall, up to almost two feet; others are quite small, reaching only six or eight inches in height. Honeybees and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.

Nevada is a penstemon paradise. Several types are native to the area and thrive on dry air and dry soil. They are perfect for xeric landscaping plans as well as sun drenched rock and container gardens. Many types, including European hybrids flourish here with little care and little watering. Give them full sun and well drained average soil and they'll be on their way to making June a bright and colorful month year after year.

Traditionally, Native American cultures used penstemon as a medicinal plant. The plant is beloved by many. There is even a Penstemon Society for true penstemon enthusiasts.

Penstemon is one of Drycreek's favorite and most popular perennials. Each year you can find many different types available.

These last few days of perfect springtime weather has the Hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus) excited for blooms. This little gem (pictured) lives in a very sandy, well-drained south facing rock garden in downtown Reno. It's been living here for almost a decade. It usually blooms each year around the first of June, but this year it's a about a week and a half late. You can guess why.

Drycreek has a great selection of cold hardy cacti this year. These little hedgehogs usually go very quickly. They require no maintenance after becoming established and each spring the flowers are definitely something to look forward to. Hedgehog cactus plants are great for displaying in containers, and because they are slow growers, you can start out with a small sized pot. Just make sure they get full sun and a well-draining sandy soil. Most hedgehog cactus plants tend to stay very compact with their stems growing no more than a foot high. If you're lucky enough to live a long life with this cactus as your companion, you will get to see your little cactus develop into a fully mature mound consisting of many stems and many amazing flowers from year to year.

For potting cacti, it's easy to create a good soil match without having to purchase expensive mixes from the big box stores. All you need is some regular potting soil and some pumice. Mix the two with a ratio of about one third pumice to two thirds potting soil. Doing it yourself can save a lot of money, especially if growing cacti becomes a hobby.

To say the least, the Hedgehog cactus is a spectacular addition to any xeric landscaping plan.

Speedwells are great plants for borders, rock gardens, planters and other areas with sun or partial shade where small ground covers are needed. Both of the plants pictured have similar growth patterns and texture, so if planted together, will fill a space more or less evenly, but with contrasting color. Both are rapid growing, compact floriferous perennials that take sun or part shade. Both bloom from late May to August into September. Flower stalks on each plant reach a a more or less even height between twelve and eighteen inches with a spread between eighteen and twenty-four inches. And both have deep green foliage setting off their spikes of long lasting flowers. One, the Royal Candles Veronica (Veronica spicata 'Glory') produces deep blue flowers. The other, Eveline Speedwell (Veronica longifolia 'Eveline') produces deep purple flowers. The combination is striking, complimentary and will produce color for your garden all summer long.

Easy to grow, simply give these Veronicas ordinary, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. In winter, make sure the roots don't sit in water as root rot is probably the plant's greatest danger. Since our summer heat can be intense, it might be best if they receive a full dose of morning to early afternoon sun, then the rest of the day with dappled shade. This will help in keeping the roots moist. If the summer sun seems too intense, try giving the plant a modest layer of mulch. If you find your plants fainting, don't worry, just give them some water. They usually will perk back up in quick time. In the summer, deadheading will promote more flowers and a longer blooming season.

If you have a partly shady spot on a ledge where you would like to place a show plant, or a partly shady crevice in your rock garden that is crying out for something unique and interesting, Irish Saxifrage (Saxifraga x andrewsii) is a great choice. This hardy evergreen forms offshoots that grow into a cluster, eventually spreading into a nice sized mount. Great, too, for containers you can move around to where the plant receives just the right amount of easy sun and dappled shade. In other areas where cloud covered days are many, Irish Saxifrage can take more sun, but here in the desert, they seem to prefer more shade.

The plant forms clusters of saw toothed leaves that are fun to touch. The leaves fit into a variety of garden themes, from desert to alpine. In May and June, Saxifrage sends up tall, crazy looking reddish stems with tiny clusters of symmetrical white flowers with pink speckles. The stems reach to almost a foot in height and as the plant matures, multiply into a nice spray of delicate white flowers that sway in the breeze.

You can propagate this variety by dividing the root ball. If the flowers actually produce seed (some will not), you can let them dry on the plant, then collect for experimental sprouting. Growing from seed is a long process, but if you give it a try, scatter on a fluffy sprouting medium without much cover and keep moist.

Give your Saxifrage rich, well-drained soil. Keep it nicely moist, especially throughout the hottest part of the summer. Be sure to water them regularly while they establish themselves.

There are many different types of Saxifraga and many more gardeners who love them. So many, in fact, that there's even a Saxifraga Society. Drycreek often has several varieties of Saxifraga in stock. The one pictured arrived this spring.

Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium) is a perfect plant for fully shaded to partially shaded areas of the garden. The plant begins to develop tall flower stems in early spring -- at up to three feet high -- then blooms late May into June. Extend the blooming season by deadheading.

It's imperative that the right spot for growing Jacob's Ladder be found. It seems the variegated Polemonium need even more shade, but definitely, excessive sun and dry soil will produce negative results. This particular plant has been growing in a mostly shaded corner protected from the sun by an eastern and southern facing fence. A few feet to the west is the wall of the house, so the plant receives very little direct sunlight. It does receive a bit of late afternoon sun, but only for a short while. Certainly this plant thrives in this location.

Remember, well-drained soil is very important for this plant. And, as is typical for many shade loving plants, it enjoys a somewhat consistently moist, but not soggy, soil, although, if it doesn't bake in the sun, it will tolerate some drought. The flowers attract honeybees which is always nice since honeybees need all the help they can get these days.

This spring Drycreek has both deep green and variegated varieties of Polemonium.

This Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora), a member of the Agave Family, has been living in downtown Reno for five or six years. It commands a warm and sunny south facing spot, which it loves. Each spring it sends up several flower stalks that rise up above the leaves by at least two feet. Sometimes there are as many as ten flower stalks; other years less than half that amount.

Red Yucca is a hardy, drought tolerant, carefree evergreen perennial that's perfect for desert themed xeric landscapes and large rock gardens. The plant grows somewhat slowly, and will eventually become shrub-like, reaching a spread of up to five or six feet wide and three feet high.

In well drained soil, give your yucca a good occasional watering to encourage blooms. If your plant receives regular blasts of Nevada's drying winds, it will appreciate a drip line or weekly watering during the summer. The long lasting bright pink flowers are a major attraction to hummingbirds and the tall flower stalks make it easy to see when the hummingbirds make their rounds. Honeybees are also a frequent visitor. The flowers themselves last most of the summer, developing pods of flat black seeds that can be sprouted.

As the single plant spreads out, suckers will appear around the base that can be separated and planted elsewhere. You can propagate from seeds, too, although it will be several years before you'll be seeing flower stalks emerging.

Drycreek carries several varieties of yucca.

Each year Drycreek provides a nice selection of hardy Clematis suited to our climate and soil, including several varieties sold in small pots. This allows Clematis enthusiasts to collect several different types while saving on the overall cost of their collection.

Certain preparations for your plants will go a long way in helping them thrive. The soil should be rich, evenly moist and well drained. If you're dealing with clay-like soil, be sure to enrich it with peat and compost. The site should be sun drenched for most of the day, although some broken shade during the hottest part of the day will help keep the flowers from bleaching and fading. Probably the most important trick is to keep the soil itself cool, moist and shaded while the stems and leaves find the sun. If choosing a south facing location, it is imperative that the base of the plant be shaded, especially during the hottest days of summer.

Whether in the ground or in containers, if you want your Clematis to climb, you'll have to help them. A regular sized trellis is probably too thick for their tiny, fragile stems. Gardeners often attach plastic netting to fences and arbors to provide support for climbing. Be innovative. This year Drycreek has some wonderful free-standing ornamental Clematis cages that do the job beautifully.

In the winter here where temperatures can reach well below freezing, it helps to add an inch or two of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots. Try not to cultivate around the base of the plant as its root system does not like to be disturbed. Be careful, too, with their fragile stems. If your clematis blooms from new growth, hard early spring pruning down to about eight inches from the ground will stimulate growth. If your plant blooms from old growth, light pruning is best. If you are unsure of what type of clematis you have, talk to John or Nancy at the nursery. They will help with the details.

The Columbine plant (Aquilegia), also called wild columbine, wild honeysuckle, red-bells, rock-lily and jack-in-trousers is a cold hardy perennial that can be found growing in the wild growing just about anywhere, but especially in fields and meadows from Colorado's Rocky Mountains to the east coast. Very easy to grow, Columbine needs well drained soil and does best with morning sun and partial to full shade in the afternoons. Typically, the plant will grow to about twenty-four inches high with flowers forming on tall thin spikes. With a long blooming season -- from mid May through July -- the flowers are quite showy, coming in all sorts of colors, often in spectacular combination, including white, pink, yellow, deep purple, red and lavender. The leaves, too, are very attractive, producing a delicate, almost fern-like atmosphere in shady places. There are some dwarf varieties, too, like the one pictured here, with leaves staying close to the ground under multiple flower spikes reaching only about half a foot into the air. All varieties are quite adorable.

Easy to grow, Columbine returns from year to year for about five seasons, but also spreads by self-seeding. Plants that sprout from seeds bloom the second year. They will self-hybridize as well. In some areas, the plant is evergreen or semi-evergreen, but here, they die back in the winter only to return the next spring. They do well in containers, too. Butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds love this plant. In fact, according to the USDA, Columbine is an important nectar source for hummingbirds.

Speedwell, also called Veronica, comes in many varieties. The one pictured stays very low to the ground, covering itself with a blanket of fairly long lasting tiny purple flowers in May. It's been blooming for a couple of weeks now. This patch receives an early dose of dappled morning sun, then a fair stretch of afternoon sun. Not all types of Speedwell are low growing. Some are tall with blue, pink or white flowers. Sometimes they show up in gardens and containers uninvited, but usually as a welcomed surprise. The low growing kinds can actually take a little foot traffic and thus are perfect for growing between pavers. They do well in rock gardens, too, but will enjoy a break from the intense afternoon summer sun.

Also in this photo is the lovely Sweet Woodruff which prefers much more shade than sun. This patch extends away from the sun, receiving only a short span of dappled morning light, then full shade for the rest of the day. Woodruff covers itself with a blanket of white flowers this time of year which lasts at least a couple weeks. But, even after the flowers fade, the plant's pleasant green leaves create a cool meadow feel for the rest of the summer.

Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus ruber), also called Red Valerian, is a carefree hardy perennial that blooms profusely this time of year. The beautiful magenta flowers are incredibly long lasting with tall stems suitable for cutting. In the garden, the flowers attract honey bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. In some parts of the world, this plant can be somewhat intrusive, but it's not much to worry about here in the high desert. Seedlings are easy to remove. Drought and heat tolerant, this is a good xeriscaping choice for dry areas that call for a field of color as Jupiter's Beard pretty much takes care of itself once established. It works well, too, as a single accent, as this photo suggests. It can also easily be grown in containers. If deadheaded, the plant will bloom pretty much the entire summer.

According to Wikipedia, both the roots and the leaves are edible.

Lilac (Syringa) is an upright deciduous shrub belonging to the Olive family (Oleaceae) and is grown for their beautiful, showy, highly fragrant flowers that bloom this time of year. Lilac is not indigenous to North America, but does very well in many parts of the United States, including the Truckee Meadows. This slow to medium growing shrub will reach twelve to fifteen feet at maturity. It loves full sun, but will take partial shade. The more sun, though, the better chance of a festival of blooms in May. Make sure the soil drains well.

To get more flowers, Lilac enthusiasts recommend snipping off the spent flower heads immediately after the flowers fade. This practice keeps the plant from producing seeds and promotes new flower growth for the next blooming season. The next year's buds develop just after the present blooms fade, so don't wait too long if you plan to prune, else you might inadvertently destroy next year's crop of flowers. Also avoid cutting old wood unless it has become completely unproductive as it takes about three years before flowers form on newer stems and shoots. If you need to shape the plant, try pruning old growth in yearly stages. This way the plant will bloom each year as its new shape takes form. Avoid severe pruning. If all old wood is removed, the plant will most likely survive; new shoots will emerge, but there won't be flowers for two or three years.

There are over twenty Lilac species with many more hybrids and cultivars. Flower colors include white, blue, magenta, pink, purple, violet, and of course, lilac.

There are over one hundred different Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) species. California seems to be the Manzanita capital of the world, as there are at least sixty-nine varieties native to the state. Several types have naturalized in Nevada, including Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Pointleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens), Pringle Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pringlei), Greenleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), and Pinemat Manzanita (Arctostaphylos nevadensis).

The distinguising features of most Manzanita are their beautiful soft evergreen leaves, their amazing slick red bark, and their light pink flower clusters in late winter, early spring. The plant is incredibly drought tolerant and comes in a variety of shapes for different uses. The Manzanita featured in the photo is a bush type and a bit of a challenge to grow in the lower elevations (but who doesn't enjoy a challenge?), but perhaps the favorite for local xeriscaping projects is the Kinnikinnick. Also called Bearberry, Kinnikinnick is a low growing, creeping evergreen ground cover with beautiful deep green leaves and whitish pink flowers in the early spring.

The USDA characterizes Kinnikinnick as long-lived and very cold hardy. The plant requires little maintenance once established, but demands well drained, normally dry, course, sandy soils. It will grow in full sun, but also grows well under the broken shade of conifer trees. It's a very special plant, indeed. Drycreek has a limited supply of Kinnikinnick this spring.

The Desert Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a native wildflower in Nevada, Arizona, California and Utah. This rapid growing perennial subshrub has longlasting orange flowers on tall stems. The plant is heat, drought and even fire tolerant. It will grow well in a variety of soil types, including poor sandy and poor rocky.

Even though the Desert Globemallow isn't normally considered to be a typical nursery stock plant, leave it to Drycreek Garden Company to locate a small supply for those interested in xeriscaping with native and naturalized plants. They are great, also, for rock wildflower gardens. The nursery usually offers two or three varieties so gardeners have a choice between orange, pink or white flowers. The springtime blooming season is fairly long. If given space, the plant will grow into a nice round mound with an abundance of flower covered stems in the spring. This plant can be quite spectacular after a moist winter, so keep your eyes peeled.

One of the greatest experiences for desert tourists is to see native and naturalized cactus in bloom. Many cacti species produce flowers that rival even orchids in color and beauty. This Claret Cup Hedge Hog cactus has about a dozen flowers this year. They began opening this week. The Claret Cup flowers are surprisingly long lasting, staying open and crisp looking for close to two weeks. The cactus in the foreground of the photo is a different type of Hedge Hog and will have long trumpet-like pink flowers, probably in early June. The tiny hedge hog in the lower left corner of the photo will have bright pink trumpets in late June.

For many gardeners, especially those migrating to the desert from more verdant regions, the discovery of cactus growing is an exciting addition to the hobby. But, newcomers are often surprised and gravely disappointed to find that most cacti purchased from most big box gardening centers are not hardy for this area. For many hot house cacti, not only is the winter too severe, but even the summer sun can do major damage. Not so with hardy varieties. Drycreek is the best nursery in northern Nevada for finding cactus plants that can grow in our climate. All their cacti are winter hardy and the nursery has a fine selection this spring.

Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), also known as Antelope Bitterbrush and Buckbrush, joins Big Sage and Rabbitbrush as an essential species for the Great Basin desert. Many animals, both native and introduced, depend upon Bitterbrush for survival. The plant's range is vast, extending beyond Nevada to Arizona, California, Colorado Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and even to northern British Columbia. As with many blooming perennials this year, the local plants seem to have enjoyed this past winter's moisture. Many plants are completely loaded with flowers.

Drycreek tries to carry bitterbrush for those interested in xeriscaping with native and naturalized plants. The quantities are usually small and sell out fast. The nursery also carries a plant with similar features, the Cliff Rose. Both plants are very attractive, take very little care, accept poor sandy soil and are drought tolerant. They love full sun and will grow into a full sized shrub over a few seasons, typically three or four feet high. Bitterbrush is a good choice for controlling erosion on land that's been disturbed from recent construction.

In certain parts of the country, Photinia can be somewhat invasive, but not here. Easily controlled, Photinia works well in full sun for shaping into dense hedges for marking property lines, privacy screens, and to a lesser degree, wind breaks. Left to itself, without regular pruning, the plant will grow tall and wide, filling spaces with a more wild, free growing stance. This is a fast growing shrub, easily expanding a foot or more per season. They produce a more condensed growth in full sun. Regular pruning will help the shrub remain compact. In partial shade the branches will stretch out looking for sun.

Some gardeners grow Photinia in containers, whether as a bush or a small, single stemmed tree. The plant enjoys warmth, but also likes to be watered regularly. If over watered, though, they can develop leaf spots. This year the Photinia growing in the Truckee Meadows are vibrant, healthy with abundant new growth.

Aubrieta, sometimes spelled 'Aubrietta,' also called Rock Cress and Alyssum deltoideum, is a hardy evergreen perennial with soft green foliage. This plant is prolific in providing long lasting springtime color. As a low growing ground cover, Aubrieta brings alpine and woodland fantasies to life in the desert. In full sun to partial shade, butterflies regularly flit to and fro touching thick patches of red, scarlet, violet, white, purple and blue. Once the flowers fade, to everyone's delight, the plants can be cut back to stimulate a second mid-summer display. Cutting back after blooming also encourages mounding and a dense production of its interesting foliage.

Aubrieta is a good choice for sunny, well-drained areas in rock gardens, borders and raised planters. Once established, offer light, but regular watering. If yellowing of the leaves occurs, simply cut back a bit on water. Certainly, if you're looking for color, Aubrieta has much to offer. With names like purple cascade and royal red, Aubrieta will fill your empty spaces with lasting color.

There are nearly three hundred species of Iris. Whether rhizome or bulb, this handsome, easy to grow hardy perennial signals the wonderful days of our typically short lived spring, the perfectly warm days of May and early June. Garden Party conversations speak of the incredible Sierra light articulated through word and image once by Ansel Adams and now by every handy digital camera. The party in the garden reflects that light, adding the experience of the sensational arrival of warmth. With grape vines and blueberry budding, the Iris unfolds and will do so now through the next few weeks. These and other awakening plants seen at dusk, dawn, and mid-day bind us to the feeling of Earth and life.

Yesterday and today are perfect spring. This week and hopefully the next four or so weeks. Perfect spring for planning the garden, for choosing suitable plants, and planting and watching the emerging garden and enjoying that. The earth under one's feet, the sky, the light, the warmth. The soil. The desire and ease of going outside again to be with the birds and the plants.

This group pictured has been living at this house for a decade. They were originally planted in a southern slope receiving full summer sun. They were fine there, but it was obvious they would better enjoy a western, northern or eastern exposure. So they were divided and replanted at the base of walls to the west and the north. Both groups take the pose each year at this time and make all the human onlookers happy.

But Iris in the process of blooming today, this spring, is the result of past planting and followed garden plans. If you have no Iris in your garden, be sure to plan to plant this coming fall. Think about your favorite colors because Iris means literally all colors. And here they come! The Iris tells us spring is here with all sorts of plants ready for planting right now, today. This week. Plants for blooming this summer, this year.

Heading to the nursery...

Geraniums and Pelargoniums are related. Palargoniums are the hardy type, usually called scented geraniums or storksbills. Even though there are biennial and perennial Geraniums, here in the high desert, Geraniums are often used as an annual for outdoor gardening. The family, Geraniaceae, which includes both Geraniums and Pelargoniums, make up over four hundred different species, most of which are indigenous to more temperate zones than what we have here in Nevada. With the hot summer sun, these beautiful plants with the fragrant leaves -- many of which are grown specifically for their scented oils -- seem to prefer more shade to sun without diminishing flower production. They do enjoy some cool morning sun. Flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, blue, violet and pure white. They begin blooming in spring and continue all summer long.

To compensate for the winter chill that will kill many types of Geraniums, gardeners often grow them in containers that can be brought indoors once the cold weather threatens. They can also be planted in raised planter boxes and transplanted to pots as autumn arrives.

If planting outdoors, late May to early June is a good time, after the danger of frost has passed. Make sure your plants have well-draining soil. For the most part, Geraniums are care free. Just be sure to plant them high enough so that their stems are not buried. As the summer heat begins to bare down, don't let the roots dry out.

Springtime is when you'll see the beautiful Pasque Flower in bloom. Due to the timing and perhaps the color of its blooms, the Pasque Flower is sometimes called the Easter Flower. The name, pasque, means Easter, perhaps due to the timing and color of its flower. They are also sometimes referred to as campana, which might refer to way the flower resembles a church bell. Other common names include the Meadow Anemone, the Prairie Crocus and the Wind Flower. This cold hardy, low growing deciduous perennial is a native wildflower to the United States and Canada and can be seen in the wild growing in meadows and prairies and on southern alpine slopes of mountains from the Sierra to the Alaskan tundra.

As a welcome sign of spring, every party of this plant is interesting. The leaves are feathery, the nodding flowers come in bright purple, white, pink, lavender and deep maroon. The seed heads resemble the strange plumed heads of exotic birds.

The plant is drought tolerant, perfect for xeriscaping and rock gardens preferring a well drained, sandy or normal soil with southern or western exposure. At present, Drycreek has Pasque Flowers in four inch pots with flower stems ready to bloom.

Apparently the Pasque Flower was used extensively by Native American cultures for centuries, but takes skill and knowledge on how to utilize its powerful medicinal properties. For those without such Shamanistic abilities, the plant should be considered toxic, so don't eat it. It is also the state flower of South Dakota.

Sometimes called Beaked Yucca, Big Bend Yucca, Silver Yucca and Nordstrum's Yucca, Rostrata is a hardy evergreen, trunk-growing tree-like yucca that will take the dryness, the heat, the winter, the rocky soil and the occasional summer downpour. They establish themselves quickly and look spectacular reflecting light from the desert sun. Over its life span, the Rostrata can reach fifteen feet with multiple three foot wide, silver-green heads. The dead leaves remain on the plant, sheltering the trunk as it grows. The clustered white flowers, too, are stunning, emerging in late spring and early summer, reaching up to the sky on tall stems.

Rostrata roots very easily. Water regularly until established. This will help the plant extend roots deep enough to help it resist strong winds. Once established, watering should be very light. Feed the plant with an organic general purpose fertilizer in the spring.

This plant was utilized extensively by native cultures; the flowers for food, the spines for many uses including baskets, clothing and soap. The flower pedals are said to be quite tasty if harvested at the right time and great in salads. The fruit, if allowed to mature, can be used to make soups and other interesting dishes.

This spring Drycreek has a new crop of Rostrata in several sizes, as well as many other types of hardy Yucca.

Several varieties of green, gold, blue and variegated hostas do very well in shade to partial shade here in the high desert. Our bright skies offer more light than other locations, so hostas will tolerate more shade here. They do enjoy some morning sun, but their foliage can burn from the typical desert summer afternoon scorch. Properly placed, hostas offer a lush sense of coolness. Their wide leaves help produce that hideaway feeling of a retreat or desert oasis. There are some dwarf varieties you can place in areas where there is little space and the larger varieties work well as border plants, or as weed controlling ground covers. They also do well in containers.

This time of year, it's always exciting to discover your hosta's leaves beginning to emerge from the soil. The foliage is usually more interesting and eye catching than the flowers, although some of the flowers, too, are worthy of attention. In early spring, keep an eye on their emerging stems. If a late frost is predicted, you might want to cover their eyes with mulch.

Spring is a good time to divide and plant your hostas. They need regular watering, especially as they become established, but a moist medium is their preference, although they don't like to sit in soggy soil. Once established, hostas take very little care, except that they need regular water. A good organic fertilizer applied a few times during the growing season will make them happy and keep them healthy. Mulching the ground around their stems and under their leaves will help keep them cool and comfortable during the hottest part of the year. They usually flower in mid-summer. Once the flowers fade, you can cut the stem so the plant can dedicate its energy and nutrients to its leaves rather than to the production of seeds.

Hostas are a great addition to shady areas of the garden. Easy to grow, wonderful to behold, hostas are such a beloved garden plant that there is even an International Hosta Society dedicated to them.

Gardeners new to the area are often surprised to find primroses flourishing in the hot and dry conditions of the high desert. Many Primula enthusiasts believe that our summers are simply too hot and too dry, but there are varieties that grow well here. The trick is to find the plants most suited to the region and then to find or create a microclimate that satisfies their needs. It's not a difficult task. The primula pictured here grows well with several other types in a loamy, meadow-like bed that receives mid-morning sunlight, and regular water. The bed happens to be just under the hanger for the garden hose which inevitably drips after each use. The daily moisture coupled with the afternoon shade helps maintain the proper level of moisture for the roots of these little wonders.

Definitely, Primroses enjoy a moist environment. Some do particularly well in bog-like areas near ponds and streams. Others do well in afternoon shaded rock gardens rich in loamy soil that stays moist but not soggy. In areas that become consistently and naturally dry, drip lines can be added that water generously on a regular basis. Prepare the soil with ample amounts of compost. Use material that will soak up and retain the much needed water. Add organic chicken manure each year. You can also grow Primula in containers. We recommend glazed containers because they help retain moisture better than unglazed terra cotta.

Be wary of transplanting the grocery store varieties of Primula. They are almost always green house hybrids and usually take quite a shock when transplanted to the outdoors. If you are interested in growing Primula in the high desert, talk to John and Nancy at Drycreek.

Kinnikinick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also called Pinemat Manzanita, Bearberry, Mealberry, Hog Cranberry and Sandberry is a beautiful low-growing evergreen shrub which grows well in sandy or rocky soil. In the spring, established plants send forth delicate light pink, bell-like flower clusters. The flowers and fruit attract local song birds.

This slow growing ground cover helps with erosion control on areas that have been disturbed by construction and clearing. It forms a beautiful dense, slowly spreading cover usually about a half foot high. A mature plant can cover as much as 10 feet in diameter. The leaves are a beautiful deep waxy green. The plant will cascade over rock walls and take some partial shade, especially in the hottest part of the day.

Drycreek recently received a shipment of Kinnikinick in one gallon containers which make it easier to transplant and establish. These plants are disease resistant and tend to flower and fruit well in our area. Once established, Kinnikinick requires very little maintenance. Feed it a good, balanced fertilizer in the spring for faster growth.

The Museum of Paleontology at the University of California confirms what we high desert dwellers already feel in our bones, especially in winter and early spring: the Great Basin desert is different than most deserts in that the Great Basin desert exists at a much higher altitude than the "hot and dry" deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The Great Basin is thus considered to be a semiarid, nearctic "cold desert" with limited snow and rainfall caused by the wall of mountains we call the Sierra Nevada. Each winter the Sierra gathers most of the moisture coming from the Pacific causing the famous "rain shadow" that keeps the eastern lee side of the mountains so much drier.

It seems this rain shadow makes all the difference. The plants, the animals and insects have evolved to match the lower levels of moisture held back by the high mountains. Even the people have adapted. You can see it in how gardeners here react to a spring rain. On the coastline of northern California, gardeners long for and rejoice at the arrival of sunny days in the spring, hoping that the sun will warm and dry the soggy ground enough to sprout the seeds and energize the stock. Gardeners here long for and rejoice at the arrival of clouds with drenching rain to soak the soil enough to sprout the seeds and give drip lines, watering cans and garden hoses a day off.

This week we have a forecast of chance of rain and this morning rain is actually making it to the ground. What a perfect time to turn the soil, scatter the wildflower seed mixes and initiate springtime planting. It's so rare that we find this chance to actually get our heads wet! Even if the rain is only symbolic, it still makes us feel good, psychologically replenished. Of course, we can't forget that we're in the desert, that our lives are intertwined with this ancient xeriscape. We know it's the subsequent dryness that we can actually rely upon. And as this photo of hardy alyssum shows, the rain we received overnight didn't really soak the ground.

Desert Peach (Prunus andersonii) is good choice for local xeric landscaping as it is a desert indigenous perennial for eastern California and western and central Nevada as far east as Eureka and Nye counties, and therefore completely adjusted to our climate. This slow growing deciduous perennial shrub belongs to the rose family and is actually related to the peach, cherry and almond trees we use as food producers. Although Native American populations considered the plant as medicinal, they also utilized the fruit as food and the twigs and leaves as tea, but for gardening and landscaping purposes, the plant is now mostly considered an ornamental.

Also called the Wild Almond, this lovely plant enjoys the full intensity of the desert sun. According to the United States Forest Service, the plant is "morphologically and physiologically adapted to drought conditions," which means it will accept low to moderate amounts of moisture to stay happy and healthy. The USDA also notes that the Desert Peach is a good choice for revegetation on disturbed land within its historical range. This makes the Desert Peach a good choice for rehabilitating local home sites that were cleared during construction.

Drycreek now has Desert Peach in stock in one gallon containers, making it easy to transplant. The plants have flower buds emerging for this year's springtime bloom. The wide flowers attract honeybees for pollination.

Gardeners find huge disappointments when buying cacti from the local big box gardening stores because most of the cacti sold there are green house varieties that can't take our weather. People are shocked and saddened when the cactus shrivel and die at the first hint of frost. Not so at Drycreek Garden Company. All of Drycreek's cactus plants are cold hardy varieties.

This spring, John Strickland, the co-owner of Drycreek, took a special road trip to a cactus specialist who grows cold hardy cacti in Colorado. Wearing a good pair of leather gardening gloves, John hand picked this year's selection, making sure the nursery would have the best selection possible for northern Nevada gardeners. In stock right now are at least ten exciting cold hardy varieties.

Gardeners either love cactus or they hate them, but if they love them, they love them a lot. Besides the interesting flesh, the flowers tend to be over-the-top spectacular, from the bright red, long lasting Claret Cup, to the hot pink, lemon yellow and salmon colored Beaver Tail, to the deep purple and magenta Cholla.

All of the cactus John collected this spring are perfect for rock gardens and other xeric uses. They love full sun, take little water and sit there looking pretty simply left alone. They also grow well in containers. Each year, since many of the flowers, once ready, open so quickly, it's fun to set up a tripod for some armature time lapse photography.

Each week, Nancy Strickland, co-owner of Drycreek, has been chatting briefly about gardening with DJ Dead Air Dave on the local radio station, The X (100.1 on your FM dial). You can listen to her gardening tips from the home page of this Web site. This week Nancy tells how local gardeners can be sure it's the right time to prune their rose bushes.

To condense Nancy's advice on pruning:

"A lot of people say tax day, but we say it's time to prune your roses when the forsythia bloom. Because we have so many climates up and down the mountain here, if your forsythias are blooming in your neighborhood, it's time to prune your roses. But if the forsythias are not blooming, then wait."

If you grow roses, what better excuse is there for finding a nice sunny spot for a forsythia bush? Not only will it add springtime color to your yard; it will also alert you and all the rose lovers in your neighborhood it's time to prune the roses. This is an example of Green Philosophy. As Nancy said, "Plants give us lots of things, they feed us, they give us piece of mind and shade...plants will tell you things...you need to listen!"

There's a pretty good article about how to prune roses at the University of Illinois Extension Web site called Our Rose Garden. As you will see, the horticulturists at the University of Illinois agree with Nancy about the forsythia.

If you love maple trees -- and who doesn't? -- and you want brilliant autumn color in a narrow space, the Bowhall Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a good choice. This rapid growing deciduous tree will reach 45 feet high with a typical spread of 15 to 20 feet. Native to North America, this wonderful tree grows into a well-formed columnar shape which makes it a good choice for street side plantings and other narrow spaces. It tolerates urban pollution and is hardy to -25 degrees. The Bowhall transplants easily when young and accepts a variety of soil types, from sand to clay. It will tolerate intermittent drought and also takes well to occasional flooding. It prefers full sun, but will accept a little shade. Resistant to deer, disease, and desert headwinds, the Bowhall is a good sport all around.

The tree sends out small red flowers (pictured) in April and May, then covers itself with the recognizable dark green, triangular 3 inch wide, 5 pointed leaves in summer. In early autumn, the tree makes a complete spectacle of itself with leaves turning usually from green to yellow-green to yellow, then to yellow-orange and then to bright red. Its tendency toward flashy exhibitionism can fluctuate in intensity from year to year depending on the weather and other subtle conditions, but even its less spectacular years are noteworthy. Stems and trunk are a dreamy silver gray.

Providing shade, stunning color and eye-catching vertical accent to almost any landscape, the Bowhall Maple is a tree to hug and fall in love with.

If you have areas in your garden that stay somewhat damp from shade, consider the area a prime location for this fancy perennial. In the high desert, Jacob's Ladder, also called Greek valerian and apparently named after the ancient Greek philosopher, Polemon (Polemonium caeruleum), does very well in partial to full shade. Their tall stems of blue, lavender or white flowers will bloom and brighten spaces that would otherwise remain without color. It enjoys a dose of cool morning sun, but definitely prefers to escape a south facing, afternoon bake. The foliage will scorch if it gets too much sun.

Depending upon its particular microclimate, flowers may appear in late spring, but usually early to mid-summer. The plant pictured here gets very little direct sun. Year after year it returns in the spring, first with its ladder-like leaves (as shown in this recent photograph), later in mid-summer sending up its two foot tall stems of colorful showy flowers. The flowers attract butterflies and honeybees. Some gardeners claim it to be deer-proof.

The trick to helping this plant flourish in high desert shade is not to let its roots dry out. The soil needs to be well drained, but consistently moist.

Jacob's Ladder was once considered to be a powerful medicinal companion. According to Wikipedia, in the past, from as far back as the ancient Greeks, the plant was used as a pain killer and was thought to be a potent healer. In more recent times, it was even used to treat syphilis and rabies, but such prescriptions probably didn't work out too well.

According to the experts, there are hardly any naturally occurring honeybee colonies left in the wild. Now almost all colonies are maintained by beekeepers, but even these are threatened. The consensus seems to be that the honeybee is under attack by deadly viruses, the source of which is not completely understood. But the bees have no built in defense to this new threat, so humans need to do all we can to help them survive.

What can we gardeners do? We can stop using pesticides and purchase foods that have not been grown with the use of pesticides! We can plan our gardens and landscapes with plants that attract honeybees. Bees love flowers, so to encourage the bees, make sure you plant a variety of flowering plants that will ensure blooming all season long. Fruit trees are a good source of nectar and pollen for spring. Vegetables, herbs, hollyhocks, foxgloves and all types of sunflowers will keep the bees happy through mid to late summer. Plan for autumn blooming plants like Asters and Chrysanthemums. Drycreek also offers desert wildflower seed mixes.

Other helpful tips: Take up beekeeping. Or at least buy local honey. Its fresher and the purchase supports the local economy. Even in Nevada, there is local honey being produced and sold at market. And if you find a swarm of bees in your yard, don't panic. Don't squirt them with water or spray them with pesticides! Even though it might look like a horror film in the making, swarming bees are relatively passive and not likely to sting, unless you act like a fool. Instead, contact a local beekeeper and swarm collector.

The Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) pictured here lives in the old southwest section of Reno. It's been in the ground for several years, but has been severely cut back numerous times to keep it small and beautiful. This Euphorbia is a flowering evergreen perennial, although if the winter is especially tough, the heavy snow can deform the stems. But no worry, since the root system is cold hardy, if the plant turns ugly or in any way unruly, all that needs to be done is to cut it back. Soon, the plant will send out new, beautiful, relatively fast growing stems and leaves for the next season. The flowers are strange, wonderful and long lasting. See a closeup of its flowers here.

The cold hardy Euphorbias for our area tend to be drought resistant, but they do enjoy regular watering. Make sure to plant them in well drained soil as they don't like to sit in water or ice.

Drycreek carries several varieties of Euphorbia, good for xeric landscaping, rock gardens and regular gardening, including the popular Donkey Tail, the Martini, the Myrsinites, the Purpurea and the Rigida which is a large version of the Donkey Tail.

The Drycreek Web site has a page dedicated to the Euphorbia.

Everyone knows springtime bulbs are great for mass plantings in beds and borders, but they work great in less conventional areas of your garden as well. Perhaps you don't associate tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and other flowering bulbs with rock gardens, but in the high desert, you get to see these springtime flowers poking their leaves and flower stems up between the rocks of xeric gardens quite often. And they look great.

If you have not thought of this, plan for next spring by planting springtime bulbs in the crevices between the rocks of your rock garden about six inches deep. Give them full sun and well drained soil. The rocks will act as a ground cover over the winter, giving the bulbs their needed moisture.

Once the flowers are spent and the leaves begin to brown, you can cut them back to the ground and fill the space by planting some shallow rooted sedum above the deeper bulbs.

If you haven't tried this before, write it as a plan for your fall gardening projects.

It's exciting to see that this beautiful Claret Cup Hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) has more than a dozen buds emerging this spring. The long lasting, rich scarlet flowers will reach up from the spines, creating an incredible splash of color, usually in late April, lasting well into May and sometimes into June. The bright red flower is a major attraction for local hummingbirds. In fact, hummingbirds are its primary pollinator.

This plant will grow about six inches high, widening into ever greater clusters. It loves to wedge itself between rocks that catch the occasional desert rain. A cluster of five stems is usually considered to be mature, although old growth plants in the wild can have hundreds of stems in a single cluster.

Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Claret Cup is easy to grow. Just be sure to give it a well drained space with lots of sun, although, studies of the plant indicate it can take some afternoon shade. The plant pictured receives splintered afternoon shade from its neighboring red yucca.

This is truly an outstanding cactus. With a good pair of leather gloves, you can divide the stems for propagation. Each year Drycreek offers a nice variety of hardy cacti, including the Claret Cup.

Yarrow is extremely easy to grow and will tolerate a variety of soil textures. Good for xeric landscaping, yarrow takes little water once established with a medium high tolerance to temporary drought conditions. All varieties like full sun and will withstand cold temperatures well below what is experienced in the basin and range environments. Soil conditions can vary, just be sure to provide a well drained space.

There are many types of yarrow, including dwarf types. The one pictured here produces yellow topped flowers on tall stems that are good for cutting and drying. Butterflies and honeybees love this plant. Other colors include white, pink, deep pink and crimson red. The foliage tends to be more fragrant than the flowers.

Yarrow works well as a ground cover in xeric landscaping and in rock gardens. The plants can be divided for propagation and will naturalize if helped along. They do very well in containers, too. Harvest the dried flower stems in late autumn for consulting the I Ching. You can leave the stems standing for catching the snow in deep winter.

Local early spring flowers include Phlox. Phlox longifolia is a native Nevada wildflower which can be found growing in the high desert as well as the High Sierra.. One of over sixty species, this low growing ground cover adorns itself with an eye catching splash of springtime color. The small flowers come in several colors, including bright red, pure white, sky blue, hot pink and lavender. There are even variegated varieties. If you mix them in mass, this time of year will bring abundant color to your garden.

The plants are basically care free. Give them full sun and well drained soil and they will return year after year. In late spring, after the blooms have faded, you can cut back the foliage. This will promote a thicker patch of green for the summer. At this time, too, you can divide the plants for a wider distribution.

A good choice for xeric landscaping, Phlox does very well in rock gardens and on south facing slopes. This plant also attracts butterflies and honeybees.

Early to rise out of the cold hard earth, this sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile - formerly called Sedum spectabile) will grow to about 15 inches, producing a crown of abundant purplish pink flowers for autumn color. The flowers can be left to dry on their stems for winter interest, then the entire plant cut to the ground to allow for its reemergence in early spring.

Trouble free for years and years, this plant, like most sedum, is very easy to grow. Our climate is perfect since it thrives in heat and sun, little water and average to poor soil. Just make sure its roots don't sit in water. It's easy to propagate, too. Occasionally it will reproduce itself by seed, but you can easily divide the clumps or simply break off stems and replant them. Usually the stems will root themselves before long.

Many sedum are grown for their leaves more than their flowers, but this sedum has beautiful, showy flowers that open and mature in the fall. In mid-summer the plant will begin to develop a crown of flower buds, emerging first as the same color as the foliage, but they will eventually open and change to their crimson pink. Such a delight!

Hummingbirds, honeybees and butterflies are attracted to this plant. A good choice for many of your xeric landscaping needs, gardeners often use them as border plants, but they are also well suited as a specimen plant for ornamental accent in rock and cacti gardens, and as a potted plant.

Beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds, this beautiful little ground cover is one of the first perennial flowers to bloom in late winter and early spring, lasting into summer. They grow easily in full sun and even partial shade, although they tend to produce more blooms in full sun. Be sure to work the soil enough to insure good drainage. They would rather not sit in wet, soggy soil, especially all winter.

This particular Veronica (pictured) will cascade over rocks or the edge of containers, but there are many types and shapes of Speedwell, from low growing mats, to taller plants with spiked flowers good for cutting and arranging. Leaf textures and flower shape and color are quite diverse. They can be used in the garden for many types of accents. Try them as border plants, ground covers, and accent plants in rock gardens or along walkways. Plant them in mass to produce an intense eye catching stretch of color. You can also plant the low creeping "steppable" varieties between pavers.

In certain parts of the world, Speedwell can be invasive, but that's not a problem here in the high desert.

Incidentally, there's also a girl band named Veronica Speedwell.

This beautiful purple-blue sedum lives in a ceramic pot on a west facing patio deck in downtown Reno. It dies back to the ground each year and begins to emerge again, usually in early March. The color of its leaves is only one of its attention grabbing attributes. As the growing season unfolds, it grows into a think cover, stems reaching up, out and over the rim of the container, cascading down, contrasting with the color and texture of everything around it.

Perennial and annual sedum varieties are popular here in the desert. They are amazingly easy to grow, easy to propagate and a good choice for rock gardens and xeric landscapes. Many have interesting flowers that add autumn color and winter texture. Coming in many colors, shapes and sizes, common names like Autumn Joy, Chocolate Ball, Dragon's Blood and Purple Emperor gives some suggestion as to how this succulent can contribute to your garden's Western aesthetic.

Each year, Drycreek offers a wide variety of perennial sedum.

For gardening, autumn is a great time for planting perennials. In fact, it's actually better than spring planting for many plants. Fall planting gives the root systems a jump start on growth so that by spring, everyone is ready to concentrate on showing off their interesting, delightful foliage.

If new to the area and planning for autumn color, this is a good time to study the yards and landscapes of neighbors. Even better, this is a great time to come visit the nursery with a concentration of autumn characteristics in show.

If looking for colors that remind us of the New World, Dry Creek offers these and more:

• Turkastan Maple (Acer turkestanicum) -- a small shrub with slender branches offers bright red leaves in the fall.
• Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer X Freemanii) -- this rapid growing pyramidal deciduous broadleaf tree grows to a height of 50 to 60 feet and is dazzling red in the fall.Ã?
• Dream Catcher Cherry (Prunus 'Dream Catcher') -- a beautiful, medium to fast growing upright deciduous tree offers year-round ornamental features, including a striking pink array of flowers in the spring, deep green leaves in summer, and a yellow-orange display in the fall.
• Clump River Birch (Betulaceae) -- a large, fast growing pyramidal deciduous shade tree with color ranging between chartreuse and golden-yellow depending upon the year.

There are many ways to cook with rose pedals. Here's an easy and delicious way to prepare a spread for morning toast:

Rose Pedal Butter

Take a cup of unsalted butter from the fridge, unwrap it, place the sticks in a glass bowl. Cover the bowl and let sit at room temperature until soft. Harvest several fresh, fragrant roses from your chemical and pesticide free rose bushes. Collect enough to make a packed cup of pedals. Finely chop the pedals, then, using a wooden spoon, mix in with the softened butter. If on hand, add a half teaspoon rose water to the butter / rose mixture.

While still soft, using a floret tip, pipe the butter onto a piece of waxed paper placed on a firm baking sheet or plate, creating little individual servings that resemble flowers. Serve with toast points or warm coffee cake. Place the remaining butter florets in the refrigerator. They will firm up and last for several days.

Two years ago several theories debating the cause of the die-off emerged. Is it manipulation of DNA to produce bees more interested in pollinating plants than making honey? Is it new chemicals meant to pollinate plants without the help of bees? Is it new and more deadly pesticides for farms and gardens? Is it the invasion of new parasites as well as the chemicals used to fight the parasites? Is it a virus? Is it the 30 year drought? Global warming? Is it confusion and bewilderment produced by continual shipping from place to place? Is it radiation produced by the ever increasing number of cell phone towers?

From gay marriage to the coming apocalypse, other not so very scientific theories were discussed as well. Still, the question of chemicals returned to the center of conversation more than once. As we sipped our summer cocktails, someone suggested that a pesticide- and chemical-free garden would be a godsend for the troubled bees. "Like an island in a sea of poison. If only we could convince enough people to stop using harmful chemicals, the island could grow." A retort was inevitable: "But, what if chemicals and poisons aren't the only problems? What if it's a disease produced by an accumulation of conditions? No one knows where to begin." A very reasonable suggestion was returned: "Well, maybe we should begin eliminating those conditions one by one. We can start with what we ourselves can control, start with the chemicals closest to us."

Like almost all ice plant, this one requires excellent drainage and not too much water. Drought tolerant, it grows to a height of four to six inches and will spread into a nice circle about a foot in diameter. Even though cold hardy, in our climate, the plant will most likely die back for the coldest part of the winter, but don't forget it's there, because it will probably come back in the spring to offer another year of beauty.

Ice plant is a good choice for rock gardens, container arrangements, and along the front edge of borders.

Yarrow comes in a variety of colors, from pure white to yellow, to pink and deep purple-red. The plants are amazing in that their blooms last for months, the plant will grow in just about any soil, they are very drought tolerant, and they can all but be forgotten and yet still thrive. But perhaps what is most incredible about Yarrow is that the flower stalks can tell the future.

It's true, the dried flower stems of Achillea Millefolium have been used for centuries as tools for consulting the oracle of the I Ching, what some say is the oldest and wisest book in the history of human culture. How the oracle works is anyone's guess, nevertheless, the ritual is fascinating and some say, curiously accurate in its telling. In any case, Yarrow is easy to grow, beautiful to look at and it smells sweet.

In western traditions, it is said that the reason why the botanical name references Achilles is because the Greeks used Yarrow medicinally to stop wounds from bleeding on the battlefield.

Reno and the rest of northern Nevada is part of the Monarch Butterfly's migratory route. Back in the day when Milkweed was plentiful and pesticides scarce, millions of Monarch butterflies would pass through on their long journey to Canada from Mexico. But their numbers have greatly diminished and are dwindling still.

It's easy to make your garden Monarch Butterfly friendly. If you plant perennials that bloom in August, you'll easily attract the adults, as they enjoy the late summer flowering plants, like this beautiful, long lasting Gay Feather. But if you really want your garden to be Monarch friendly, you'll want to plant some Milkweed because the Monarch actually depends upon Milkweed to survive. Why? Because Milkweed is the only known plant the butterfly uses to nurture and feed its young.

We have a page devoted to the Monarch Butterfly. Check it out.

The flowering stage is continuous with flowers lasting a long time. The plant resembles wild meadow flowers and thus is a perfect choice for mass plantings. The bright white flowers are "self cleaning" which means they do not brown or fade as they age. They do very well in containers, especially as an accent for other colorful flowers. Just make sure they get watered as they like a well drained, but moist soil.

The reason the plant is called "obedient" is that the flower tips can be gently bent and they will stay that way. They are friendly in other ways, too: they make excellent cut flowers, butterflies love them, and yet they are rabbit, squirrel and deer resistant.

One of the more interesting attachments to white lilies is from ancient Spain where it was long ago believed that the taste or even the smell of the delicately scented pedals of the white lily would relieve and even reverse the curses received from enemy spirits that might ravege the soul with the violence of mindless rage.

The flower also signifies the passing of time that we humans experience whether we like it or not -- that incredible, often times unnerving awareness we have of our own being-towards-death.

White Lily

What Fassbinder film is it?
The one-armed man walks into a flower shop
And says: What flower expresses
Days go by
And they just keep going by endlessly
Pulling you Into the future
Days go by
Endlessly
Endlessly pulling you
Into the future?
And the florist says: White Lily.

Laurie Anderson ("White Lily" from the film, Home of the Brave)

Another interesting thing about this beautiful little geranium is that it might be a natural cure for the common cold. In 2007, the National Center for Biotechnology Information reported on "a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial" which tested over one hundred men and women with cold symptoms. Randomly, patients were given either a placebo or a liquid herbal drug preparation made from the roots of pelargonium sidoides. The study concludes:

[The herbal drug] represents an effective treatment of the common cold. It significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and shortens the duration of the common cold compared with placebo.

Come to find out, the plant has been used as a medicine for centuries by the Zulu and several other African cultures, not only for curing colds, but for treating other more sever lung ailments, like bronchitis, sinus infections, and even pneumonia. (Of course, we do not recommend you try this at home.)

Remember: if you plant pelargonium sidoides in the ground, don't expect it to come back next year, although it might return, especially if it's in a protected place. Just don't count on it. It's worth growing, though, both for its beautifully textured silver leaves and for its unusual dainty deep purple flowers.

The 'Hen' only flowers once, but by the time it does, the plant will have produced a nice brood of chicks to fill its space in the garden.

In our area, this mat forming succulent likes to have a little shade in the hottest part of the afternoon, but will grow most anywhere. It's somewhat drought tolerant, but does enjoy a good drink from time to time. They are a good choice for rock gardens and over time will spread out as much as two feet from a single planting. They also do well in containers.

When you notice the center of the Hen begin to protrude, know that it's beginning to flower. And know, too, that it's time to celebrate its flowering as a reminder of how precious life is, always giving way to each new generation.

Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) have a long history in Europe as a companion plant, especially grown on tops of houses to help thwart lightning fire damage on dry thatched roofs. Perhaps we could learn from this, as it is truly a fire resistant plant.

So don't eat it!

Viewed from a distance, though, this wide spreading, night blooming perennial is a desert beauty to behold. Often seen on roadsides where their roots catch the runoff from an occasional rainstorm, the Datura is pollinated mainly by the Sphinx Moth, which in its caterpillar stage, loves to dine on another favorite nightshade, the tomato.

Remember, if you are new to desert living, you should know that native desert dwellers are taught from the earliest age to always enjoy Datura from a distance. Good advice, as the name 'Datura' is said to come from Sanskrit, meaning "the eternal substance (as in not of this embodied world) of the gods," or as one close to Hinduism might suggest: "The Call of Yama, the god of death."

Certainly, there's a strategy that goes with planting perennials. Since most do not bloom throughout the growing season, gardeners will often plan their plots around the blooming timetables of various species. The secret is to plant a wide variety of plants so that different flowers will appear at different times. This creates a garden that conjures a spectrum of different moods as the season develops.

Another advantage to perennials is that once you get them well established and happy in their living space, they will come back year after year, returning like old friends.

It's true, though, perennials require a certain mindfulness. That is, you need to remember where they've been planted since many die back completely as winter approaches. For this reason, experienced perennial gardeners keep a garden diary or garden map.

This vision of nature is of its geometric rigidity. Or is that fluidity? Such a vision infused early modern thinkers to imagine a much more powerful language than the merely human, a more perfect and fundamental intentionality exhibited in the way nature appears. It is then this presence of the flower enjoyed and contemplated by the human observer that allows the moment an investment in meaning and definition. The vision of the flower then is able to become such things as a symbol of love or a message from the gods.

If the Sea Holly flower is a message from the gods, it says: logic, fractal logic that for some imparts through the vision a tinge of joy and aesthetic pleasure. But times past and even now, to those so mystically inclined, the bushes and the trees and the flowers speak! They speak in a fractal language that seems to relay a message, however undecipherable. Of course, to entertain that thought is like Alice down the rabbit hole. Such speculation by a species that still howls at the moon easily becomes the stuff that myths and metaphysical speculations are made of.

Today we have both Blue and White Sea Holly. Supplies are limited.

This prickly pear is a heritage cactus from Humboldt County, California. For many years, it lived in a container on the porch of a house less than a mile from the ocean in the north coast town of McKinleyville, CA, until it was brought over to Reno as a gift. For several years, it was assumed that since the cactus had been growing in the mild, wet climate of the north coast, it would need to be brought indoors each year before the killing frost. One year, as an experiment, a cutting of the cactus was left outside. This led to the discovery that this fleshy, soft green cactus does indeed take the cold Reno winters, no problem.

It takes a certain interest, but growing cactus plants can be incredibly rewarding as they are strange and amazingly varied and surprisingly easy to take care of. We carry hardy cactus that thrive outdoors in our part of the world. Come in and see our selection.

The rose petal sauce has a creamy texture with a sweet, nutty taste, especially with distinctive hints of spicy rose and almond. The chef stressed that a successful sauce depends upon several factors, not excluding the mood the chef is in when the sauce is prepared. The roses need to be fresh, long stemmed, fragrant and perhaps most importantly, chemical free. Also, in the tradition of the mythology that surrounds this rose sauce recipe, the guests were warned that they might fall, again and maybe repeatedly, in love.

This red yucca is now in bloom. The flower is from an eight year old plant. This year it has sent up seven, 4' tall flower stalks. Its biggest production was nine stalks a few years back after a Truckee River flooding winter in Reno. Our recent spring had good water so seven stalks is expected.

This beautiful yucca enjoys a well drained soil in a sunny location, preferably with a southern exposure. When young, it transplants easily and is perfect for rock gardens and xeric landscapes. It also works well as a bush, offering an interesting contrast to an otherwise conventional garden layout.

Certainly, if you like the desert look, this yucca, with its long lasting flowers in the summer and its interesting foliage in the winter snow, will give you enjoyment for years to come.

We have several varieties of yucca, euphorbias and cacti. Come in and see what we have.

Some gardeners prefer the Black Hollyhock flower because of its strange deep red-wine shadows. The flower, some say, compensates for the so-called "weed-like" appearance of the foliage. Other gardeners love the foliage, taking the Hollyhock for all that it is.

This particular flower began opening today. Once a single stalk, now spread to five tall stocks covered with buds, this Hollyhock adds interest to a retaining wall, poised to offer many days of new summertime blooms.

This particular plant had its first home away from the nursery on a slope facing south with a full day of hot and dry exposure. It became obvious the first season that the plant would enjoy life some place else. Next year, the plant was relocated to a full morning sun spot against a retaining wall on the western edge of the property. Enjoying its third season in this spot, the Hollyhock has done much better, filling in a four foot swath. Here, though, it's obvious the plant would like more sun. It now gets more water and is cooler, but it wants more sun. Nonetheless, it does get along quite well without a full day's sun, even though perhaps the plant is a bit taller and the leaves more sparse than they might be otherwise.

The Black Hollyhock will most certainly give your garden party guests something to admire, enjoy and chat about.

The proud owner of this fine, potted Beaver Tail Cactus was so happy this spectacular flower opened on the first day of summer. "That it just so happened to bloom on the first day of summer," he said, "after all the hootin' and hollerin' we did on the solstice, just makes me happy."

This particular specimen lives in a medium sized, 14 inch clay pot on a ledge that gets only morning sun. Due to the sun limitation, this plant didn't produce an abundance of flowers like others in the ground just feet away, around the corner on a south slope. In fact, this flower is the only flower it produced this year, and it's perched on the furthest branch towards the sun.

Once established, this hardy cactus will propagate easily by clipping. Wearing garden gloves, simply snip an entire branch (a single 'beaver tail'), let it harden for a day or so in the shade without soil, then plant it in a porous planting medium made especially for growing cactus. If you're going to plant it in the ground, make sure the soil is well drained, not clay. Cactus will drown if they sit in soggy soil. If the soil tends towards clay, don't try to mend the problem by adding pure sand. Instead, dig out a space large enough to completely replace the clay. Brew up a nice recipe for an average, sandy soil; replace the old clay with your new Cactus Delight, a soil especially delicious to Beaver Tail (and other cacti). They will pay you back with flowers like this!

Stanleya pinnata -- Prince's Plume -- is a beautiful flowering subshrub native to the west and often seen growing in the rocky mountains of the Great Basin desert. A perfect xeric plant because of its ability to thrive in very arid, rocky and sandy soils.

This image was taken this week in a dry canyon in Hidden Valley Park, just east of Reno. The flowers appear in early May and last past the summer solstice. Give it a couple growing seasons in a sunny, dry spot and you'll have a local favorite soon showing off each spring for your friends and neighbors.