Sam Liddicott

It’s been a warm winter. I didn’t keep an exact count of the frosts, but there were only about half as many as last year, and though the rain started out good, it dropped off rather quickly, and we’re already below average for the year. Here’s hoping for a good monsoon season. As for what I’ve been up to, here’s a snapshot. I trimmed all the trees this winter. I’ve been working on my skills and trying to keep the trees more ‘full’ looking while still being safe and accessible for me and for the birds; there are a couple of nests this year....

Greywater is water that has already been used for something else in a residential or commercial setting. Bathtubs, showers, sinks, and washing machines are common sources of greywater. Reusing a portion of this water in the garden is a practical way to conserve freshwater resources and reduce overall household water consumption, especially in regions facing increasing water scarcity. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of greywater use in the garden, how to apply it safely, and key considerations to help you navigate what can be a complex but highly useful area of sustainable gardening....

Whether you’re in the arid Desert Southwest or in the temperate regions of Europe, summers can get hot, the rainfall a little more sporadic, and even the most tolerant plants can begin to struggle. Fortunately, there’s a simple, time-tested solution that’s making a comeback: ollas. Used for thousands of years, this low-tech method relies on unglazed terracotta pots buried in the soil to deliver water directly to plant roots. By creating a steady, subsurface source of moisture, ollas help regulate soil conditions, reduce evaporation, and discourage weed growth....

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is neither a true cactus nor a succulent, but a desert shrub with a distinctive, thorny silhouette and brilliant red flowers. It can drop its leaves during dry spells and quickly leaf out again after rain. Ocotillo is essential to hummingbirds, adored by bees, and used by many desert animals. The Ocotillo family is small, with just 11 species, and Fouquieria splendens is the most widely recognized. They are native to North and Central America, with a distant sister family in Madagascar....

Grasses are versatile plants that can be incorporated into your garden in dozens of ways. They come in a variety of colors, growth habits, and sizes. They’re a key part of many natural environments and are an excellent complement to vegetable gardens, patios, and those awkward spots where nothing quite fits. Additionally, there are thousands of grasses native to the major continents, meaning there’s a grass for just about everything....

There are hundreds of types of columnar cactus (Cereus, Pachycereus, Cephalocereus, etc.), ranging from the impressively tall and majestic Saguaro to smaller, cluster-growing San Pedro. These plants thrive in dry climates, need very little water, and reward growers with striking flowers. Columnar cacti are relatively simple to propagate, though the method can vary. In part 3 of this series, we’ll cover the ways to increase the number of columns in your garden and care for the parent plant after you’ve taken a cutting....

There are over 200 species of agave in this diverse genus of succulents. They are part of the asparagus family, and most are monocarpic, meaning they flower only once. Agaves bloom on tall stalks that resemble oversized asparagus spears, producing seeds and sometimes bulbils. Agaves are incredibly resilient plants and a staple in desert and xeriscape gardens. Their thick leaves, fibrous roots, and carbohydrate‑rich cores allow detached pups and bulbils to survive long periods with minimal water while they establish new roots....

Paddle cacti (genus Opuntia) are recognizable for their round-to-oval shaped segments, which are called cladodes, or pads, hence the name. They are incredibly resilient, drought-tolerant, and an important host plant for dozens of species, and a reliable source of fruit and nectar. They are also very easy to propagate, so let’s get into it. Clever Adaptations Paddle cacti grow in distinct segments that are designed to detach. Each pad is a self‑contained reservoir of water and stored energy, and the joint between pads is a natural break point....

Moon gardens are a beautiful way to attract night-active pollinators while giving you a peaceful place to enjoy them. There’s no single blueprint for designing one—what matters most is creating a space you’ll love spending time in. The principles from Parts 1 and 2 will naturally shape many of your choices, helping you build a serene pocket of nocturnal habitat. In Part 3 of this series, we’ll explore practical tips, design ideas, and simple strategies for creating your own moon garden....

Few plants fully close at night—though some familiar garden species, like daisies (Asteraceae), do. Many others respond instead to humidity, temperature, or light. Still, most daytime blooms remain at least partially open after sunset and attract nocturnal pollinators to some degree. Planting a few night-focused species can act as “anchors,” drawing moths, beetles, bats, and other nocturnal visitors across your garden. In Part 2 of this series, we’ll explore the traits that make plants attractive at night and highlight several excellent species to help you start or expand your after-dark garden....