I’m Sam! I grew up in the UK and now live in the desert Southwest of the USA. When I’m not indoors, I’m outdoors, and I try to be there as much as possible. Growing flowers is my greatest gardening passion, but I won’t say no to some raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, beans, or leafy greens.
I have a certificate in landscape design and have been gardening for over 15 years, from small home gardens to large formal gardens and kitchen gardens.
My current garden is quite small, so I’m experimenting with growing cactus from cuttings, as they’re particularly resilient to heat and aridity. Cactus fruit makes great syrup, too, though I have yet to produce my own.
I also have some tomatoes and peppers on the go this year as well as some amaranth and loofa ready to plant (2025).
A kitchen garden I helped to plant and maintain a few years ago as a volunteer.
Outside of gardening, you can find me hiking, snapping photos with film cameras (possibly repairing them), or undertaking a design project.
Digging Down: Creating a Sunken Garden
Staying Hydrated Water is essential for plant growth. Too little water (or too much), and your plants won’t make it. In hot, arid climates, sunken beds are a preventative measure against warmer weather (catch the rhyme there?).
By sinking the bed below ground level, you take advantage of naturally cooler soil, improved moisture retention, and better wind protection. Sunken beds can be a game-changer for gardeners in dry regions, making it easier to keep plants thriving with less water....
Tips for Growing in the Southwestern US Desert
Thriving Where It’s Hot Gardening in the Southwest desert comes with unique challenges, but also the opportunity for near year-round gardening. With the right strategies, you can grow a thriving, productive garden, whatever the weather. By selecting heat-tolerant plants, optimizing shade and soil conditions, and managing water efficiently, you can harvest bumper crops of veg year after year.
When to Start The vibrant bloom of wildflowers marks the arrival of spring in the Southwest, the warm, sunny season in between the nippy winter and the scorching summer....
