Gardening in the Desert: A Guide to Plant Selection & Care

Mary Irish

“Gardening in the Desert: A Guide to Plant Selection & Care” is a comprehensive guide written by Mary Irish, focusing on selecting and caring for plants in desert climates. The book provides essential information on choosing the right plants for desert gardens, as well as detailed care instructions for various plant types, including trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.

Key Sections and Details:

1. Understanding Desert Gardening
   • Overview of desert climates and their unique challenges.
   • Importance of selecting the right plants for desert gardens.
2. Plant Selection
   • Detailed profiles of desert-adapted plants, including:
     • Common and scientific names
     • Plant descriptions and growth habits
     • Water, light, and soil requirements
     • Drought tolerance and heat resistance
     • Pollinator and wildlife value
     • Care and maintenance instructions
   • Plants are organized by type (e.g., trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals) for easy reference.
3. Creating and Maintaining Desert Gardens
   • Guidance on designing and creating water-efficient gardens.
   • Information on soil improvement, irrigation, and mulching.
   • Tips on incorporating native plants and attracting pollinators and wildlife.
4. Special Features
   • Sections dedicated to:
     • Growing edibles in the desert
     • Creating vertical gardens and container plantings
     • Incorporating hardscaping elements into desert gardens
5. Resources and Further Reading
   • List of additional resources, including books, websites, and nurseries, for readers interested in learning more about desert gardening.

Mary Irish is a horticulturist and author with extensive experience in growing and studying plants in desert climates. She has worked as a garden designer, consultant, and educator, and has written for various gardening publications.

This book is an essential resource for gardeners in desert climates looking to create and maintain beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes using desert-adapted plants. Its comprehensive coverage and practical advice make it an invaluable tool for both amateur and experienced gardeners.