Spring is here and it’s time to freshen up those yards and gardens with beautiful blooms and gorgeous greenery! Tohono Chul presents its annual Spring Plant Sale to help green thumbs add color and life to their gardens.
The sale begins Friday, March 20 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for members only. The sale is then opened up to the public on Saturday, March 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Plant enthusiasts can expect to find an array of Arizona-grown, predominantly Sonoran natives and dryland-adapted plants including trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, agaves, cacti and succulents. Guests can also purchase soil, native seeds, ceramic pots and containers, and other yard accessories from the Desert Corner Nursery.
In honor of the annual Spring Plant Sale, here are five quick tips for planting and maintaining gardens and yards in Arizona this season:
Plant purposefully to attract birds, butterflies and bees —Turpentine bush is a drought and cold-hardy shrub that’s very enticing to butterflies. Hummingbirds love the vibrant blooms of the Parry’s penstemon, a perennial with bright pink trumpet-shaped blossoms. Native wildflowers and shrubs make fantastic pollinator attractors.
Don’t overuse amendments — Many native plants do best in unamended soil, which hasn’t been altered with organic matter such as compost or fertilizer intended to improve structure, PH or nutrient levels. When amendments are necessary, make sure to evenly blend them with native soil.
Grouping greens — Plant trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants according to their needs, such as water, soil and sunlight. Those with similar needs should be grouped together.
Mulch with care — Adding a light layer of mulch can protect roots, but keep mulch at least six inches away from the plants’ base to avoid rot.
Check drainage before planting — Once the hole has been dug, fill it with water and wait. Ideally, water should drain in no more than an hour.
Bonus Plant Sale tip — Follow the “BYOW” rule. Guests are welcome to bring their wagons to haul their plant sale finds!
To learn more about this event and Tohono Chul, visit https://tohonochul.org/.
