Avid arid gardeners will be interested in a new CD-ROM reference guide to desert landscape plants.
Desert Landscaping CD Version 2.0 — developed by the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center — is a new and improved version of its original Desert Landscaping CD Version 1.
Just like Version 1, this one is a veritable encyclopedia of landscape plants, both native and adapted to the Sonoran Desert. But the new version has an expanded plant list (now showing 620 low-water-use plants), more plant photos, more detailed plant information and an easier-to-use operating system.
I find the most useful tool of the landscape CD is its "plant selector" feature. With it, you can select the type of plant you're looking for (tree, shrub, flower, etc.), the desired appearance (height, spread, flower cover, etc.) and growth requirements (irrigation, light, soil and so on). In addition, you can select the desired rate of growth, landscape use and maintenance requirements. After all the desired factors are selected, the program searches the database for those meeting the criteria you selected.
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Of course, the more criteria you choose, the fewer plant matches there will be.
You can choose to have your plant search results delivered with common or scientific plant names. Blocks of plant pictures with name captions are displayed, and you can scroll through and select any plant(s) you want to find out more about. Simply click on the plant photo to receive a detailed plant description and additional photos.
Another valuable tool is the "plant list." If you want information on a particular plant, this option allows you to go directly to it. Select the listing by common or scientific name. Then, scroll down through the alphabetized listing to find the plant, or go directly to the plant by typing in its name. The computer will bring up the information on the plant you've selected. Photos of the plant will appear along with text on the plant's characteristics and requirements. With a sound card and speaker for your computer, you can even hear the pronunciation of the plant's scientific name.
If you want ideas about what plants might fit into your landscape and what plants blend well together, the "landscape browser" has photos of beautiful front-yard landscapes, entryways, patio gardens, border plantings and even a desert perennial flower garden. You can explore each landscape with your computer mouse. Moving the pointer from plant to plant reveals the names as you go. Want more information? Just click on any plant, and the screen will transform into pictures and description of the plant you've selected.
Desert Landscaping Version 2.0 is available for either Windows or Mac operating systems. It can be purchased for $30 at the Water Resources Research Center, 350 N. Campbell Ave. Or call 792-3124. You can also order at www.cals.arizona.edu/azwater online. It's also available at the UA Bookstore and makes a great Christmas gift for any gardener.
● John P. Begeman is the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Extension. If you have questions, call 626-5161 to reach a master gardener.