Roses are among the most iconic and beautiful flowers in the world, and they can grow in a variety of environments—including the Sonoran Desert. Though not native to the region, there are many varieties of roses that can be a welcome addition to home gardens and commercial landscapes in Tucson, provided that you know the right growing techniques. Read ahead to get a look at some select tips for growing a rose garden in Arizona.

Select Plants That Have Been Adapted for Heat Resistance

Like any plants you choose for your Arizona landscape, you should be sure that your roses are adapted for heat resistance. There are a variety of rose plants that can handle the harsh heat of the Southwest, so consult your landscaper or a local nursery to make the right choices with your aesthetic preferences in mind.

Plant Your Roses in December or January

In colder climates, you might not plant roses until mid-spring, but Tucsonans might start much sooner since there aren’t hard freezes to worry about in the valley. You’ll want to plant no later than January, though you could start as early as mid-December.

Ensure That Flowers Have Plenty of Sun

One reason roses are able to fare so well in Arizona is that they need plenty of suns. You should seek to have about 6 hours of sunlight for most rose plants, and climbing roses can benefit from an eastward orientation so that they get the bright light of the morning and early afternoon.

Drain Soil and Provide Airflow

Your soil should be fertile and well-drained, though you will want to keep your plants plenty hydrated as they grow. There should also be adequate air circulation, so give your roses enough space when you plot where to plant them.

For help cultivating your beautiful desert garden, contact Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We offer commercial and residential landscape design services throughout Southern Arizona, and we can help you create a lush garden that stands up to the heat and dryness of the region.

Inspiration from your landscape may come from anywhere, including some of the world’s most famous gardens. If your travels ever take you to Singapore, you might schedule a visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which represents the nation’s rich and varied history and display some of the most beautiful and exotic plants in the world. Let’s take a quick tour of what the Singapore Botanic Gardens have to offer for curious visitors hoping to glimpse at the local flora.

Historical Importance

Though the idea of a national garden of Singapore originated in about 1822, it was not until 1859 that the Singapore Botanic Garden first became planted in its current location. The gardens were designed in the English Landscape Movement style, and they soon became taken over by the British colonial government. Through this period, the gardens expanded as an institute for botanic research and native plant preservation, and they became an important landmark. Today, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the nation.

3-Core Design

The modern garden features a 3-core design with three distinctive zones offering something unique in each. The Tanglin is the historical core, where the oldest elements of the garden can be found. The Central Core is the tourist belt, which includes the National Orchid Garden, Rain Forest, Healing Garden, and Evolution Garden. Finally, the Bukit Timah Core is designated as the learning and discovery center of the gardens.

A Growing Attraction

Singapore Botanic Gardens only continues to grow, and there is the development of a fourth core, which will enlarge the forest habitat of the gardens.

Citrus trees can thrive in your desert landscape, but you must take care of them to keep them alive and well. Know what kind of citrus you’re working with, plant and irrigate properly, and remember to fertilize and prune your trees. Read ahead and learn how to care for your new citrus trees.

Know Your Trees

A new citrus tree can be a lovely addition to your desert landscape. Different types of citrus trees may not fare the same way, however, so pay attention to the exact types of trees you’re working with. Limes and lemons are popular options, as are oranges and tangerines. Navel oranges tend to hold up during the winter, but they’re not necessarily the most reliable choice for the desert. Decide what kinds of fruit trees you’d like to plant and make sure they can handle the local climate before you start digging plots for them. The best time to plant trees is in early spring.

Plant and Irrigate

When you’re all set to plant your citrus trees, the hole you start with will probably be bigger than you think. Start by measuring the width of the plant’s container. The hole you’ll dig to house it should be at least three times bigger, and in some cases as many as five. The top of the root ball should be about an inch higher than the soil, and there shouldn’t be any amendments made. Leave enough space for your tree to grow by leaving about 20 feet of horizontal space. If you have a small space consider dwarf or semi-dwarf trees. Consider factors like soil and exposure to the elements when irrigating, and let your trees dry for a week or more during the winter and every few days during the summer.

Fertilize and Prune

You don’t have to fertilize your citrus for its first two years. After this point, add fertilizer in February before it blooms. Only prune your citrus trees to get rid of dead, dying, or dangerous branches.

27At Santa Rita Landscaping, landscape design in Tucson is what we do best. You can find out all about our services and our company by checking out our website or calling our offices at (520) 623-0421.

The known history of Japan goes back an unfathomable distance in time. Icons, fables, and events are constantly being reborn as part of the Japanese and Chinese cultures. The Rikugien Garden was built hundreds of years ago in northern Tokyo, once people started living there in the 17th century. The garden honors almost 100 elements from both Japanese and Chinese history and culture, so it’s always nice to come back

The known history of Japan goes back an unfathomable distance in time. Icons, fables, and events are constantly being reborn as part of the Japanese and Chinese cultures. The Rikugien Garden was built hundreds of years ago in northern Tokyo, once people started living there in the 17th century. The garden honors almost 100 elements from both Japanese and Chinese history and culture, so it’s always nice to come back to and see what you find. People are drawn to the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful sights in addition to the rich history. Read ahead and discover Rikugien Garden.

History of Rikugien Garden

Between the 1600s and the 1800s, feudal lords started building homes in Edo. What was once Edo is now Tokyo, but the Rikugien Garden remains. Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu began building the garden in 1688, completing it seven years later in 1695. Rikugien Garden pays homage to places, events, and cultural details that shaped Japan and China’s histories with 88 different spots named after them throughout the property.

What It’s Like There

If you want to have your breath taken away by culture and beauty without being distracted by the bustle of the city, you’ll love Rikugien Garden. Like our own Los Angeles or New York City, parts of Tokyo can be crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, Rikugien Garden is situated in a residential area in the northern part of Tokyo. You’ll find flat, comfortable paths, as well as a mountain pass that will let you see the garden in all its glory.

to and see what you find. People are drawn to the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful sights in addition to the rich history. Read ahead and discover Rikugien Garden.

History of Rikugien Garden

Between the 1600s and the 1800s, feudal lords started building homes in Edo. What was once Edo is now Tokyo, but the Rikugien Garden remains. Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu began building the garden in 1688, completing it seven years later in 1695. Rikugien Garden pays homage to places, events, and cultural details that shaped Japan and China’s histories with 88 different spots named after them throughout the property.

What It’s Like There

If you want to have your breath taken away by culture and beauty without being distracted by the bustle of the city, you’ll love Rikugien Garden. Like our own Los Angeles or New York City, parts of Tokyo can be crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, Rikugien Garden is situated in a residential area in the northern part of Tokyo. You’ll find flat, comfortable paths, as well as a mountain pass that will let you see the garden in all its glory.

Even after a wet monsoon season this year, it is important to conserve water in the American Southwest. However, reducing water usage doesn’t mean that you can’t design a beautiful backyard that features lush plant life. Following the trend of xeriscaping, you can limit water consumption while incorporating the beautiful colors and textures of local plant life into your landscape design. As you consider a xeriscape yard for your Tucson home, you should consult a professional to help you with the following important steps:

Choose the Right Plants

Xeriscaping focuses on water conservation, emphasizing plants that are drought-resistant. These may be native plants found in the Sonoran Desert, or they may be heat tolerant plants from other desert regions. Your landscaper can help you choose plants that don’t have high water demands but still offer beautiful blooms, shade, and other desirable features.

Plant in the Right Locations

Along with choosing the right types of plants, you will want to be sure that they are placed in areas where they will receive an appropriate amount of sun. If plants get too much direct sunlight, they may need more frequent watering to compensate for the overexposure. In addition, your irrigation layout will be essential to reducing unnecessary water use. Low-pressure drip irrigation systems concentrate water only around the root systems of plants, so water does not get wasted.

Incorporate Rainwater Harvesting

Though xeriscaping dramatically reduces water usage in landscape designs, you will still need to water your plants. Installing a rainwater harvesting system is one step your landscape company can take to help you recycle this natural resource in your yard.

For help planning a water-conscious yard in Tucson, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. Our professional team has decades of experience working in the unique climate of Southern Arizona, and we can help you explore the beautiful plants this region has to offer.