Jo's Tidbits

The heat is rising, the plants are drooping, and you can’t seem to regulate your water flow. Sound familiar? For many who move here from states where lush green vegetation is abundant, SaddleBrooke summer gardening is by far one of our most daunting challenges.

When we moved from Connecticut in 1996, the first thing we learned was not to overwater desert adapted plants. The second was not to plant anything that is not desert adapted.

We have gravel yards and cacti for a reason, and while some just can’t give up those lush green plants of northern or coastal states, they are not conducive to our area and require constant pruning and an abundance of our greatest natural resource, WATER.

In SaddleBrooke, water is the least expensive commodity we have and so very easy to take it for granted. Most of the desert adapted plants can survive with little to no water for long periods of time. Hence, they are a valuable alternative to our natural former plantings.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, now is the perfect time to freshen up your landscape, enhance your patios and experiment with desert landscapes. You can add extra color with patio cushions, vibrant ceramic pots, colorful metal sculptures and whimsical art.

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Patio umbrellas come in all sizes, shapes and colors and are very beneficial for cooling your outdoor living spaces. We have three on our patio and it is amazing what a degree difference we feel when we sit under their protective canopy.

Designing an outdoor living space can be daunting for some, but if you plan it well and work with a qualified contractor for installation and design ideas, it can become one of the most desirable spaces for relaxation and gathering with friends and family.

We have a sitting area with umbrellas, two smaller dining tables and a separate firepit area which we enjoy throughout the cooler months. Sitting out at five o’clock for a glass of wine while listening to the birds as they frequent our mesquite tree and birdbath is one of the most tranquil times of our day and one we look forward to each afternoon.

Living in a Villa did not mean giving up our outdoor living space and to be honest, it is the best experience of our 27 years living in SaddleBrooke. Whether your yard is large or small, designing the right outdoor space will truly enhance your home and add to many years of enjoyment.