The beginning

Well before I started any planting, there was a thought... an idea. And the excitement that it brought. To change this green piece of desert that was mostly Bermuda grass and other non-native weeds into a native pollinator haven. To have color, texture, movement and most importantly life in this neglected, boring, utilitarian property.

(Photo above shows the bed right after planting. This was the end of June 2023. It was a very hot and dry summer. Most days were well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. )

Perennial beds are often anti-climactic at the time of planting since the plants are small and if spaced appropriately, the end result may seem sparse. But that changes quite quickly. Only 3.5 months after planting and the bed was already looking fuller (photo below was taken in mid September 2023).

In October more blooms popped up as some summer blooming plants gave way to fall bloomers (photo below was taken in the second part of October 2023).

It was actually very satisfying seeing it go through the first (very tough!) summer and then fall.  Seeing it change and grow was joyful. There was of course maintenance involved (mostly watering given the weather) but it was also so fun.

The winter was relatively mild and wet. It was nice to see some grasses and perennials already adding color and texture to the winter landscape. (Photo below was taken in mid December 2023).