And while we’re at it…the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is having its spring plant sale through March 25, 2012!

(I won’t get into how dang lucky we are to have not one, but TWO major gardens in the Phoenix area! Each offers a completely different, but equally excellent experience.)

Anyway, if you’re into desert gardening, then pick up some xeriscape plants at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Plant sale hours coincide with arboretum hours (8:00am to 4:00pm daily) and runs through March 25.  I’m sure they’ll provide gardening tips, too, and members do receive 20% off plants.  Another good reason to join!

The Desert Botanical Garden’s Spring Plant Sale is this weekend, March 17-18, 2012!

This is a great opportunity to get outside, pick up some xeriscape plants for your desert garden, get some gardening tips, and support the Garden.  The Desert Botanical Garden does not receive public funding, leases the land from the City of Phoenix, and relies on income from private donors, memberships, programs, and plant sales.

Better yet, become a member and you’ll get into the special Members Only preview on Friday.  Hours are:

• Friday, March 16 (Members only) – 7:00am to 5:00pm
• Saturday, March 17 – 7:00am to 5:00pm
• Sunday, March 18 – 9:00am to 5:00pm

Sometimes, oftentimes, great ideas seem to come out of nowhere.  Such was the case when we were shopping at a Santa Fe mart that featured the work of local artisans.

These rustic planters, featuring cowboys boots and hats, would look great in a natural desert landscape!  These were made of concrete…heavy, yes, and probably too hot for our extreme Phoenix summers.  But why not use a pair of old boots to showcase some Trailing Lantana or tuck a Hedgehog Cactus into a worn hat?

These kinds of personal touches using found objects and desert plants put your stamp on a xeriscape, making it uniquely yours and giving visitors something to talk about.