Thursday, March 17, 2011

Rosemary Trails, Green and Blue

This winter has been one of the coldest on record for the last fifty years in the Sonoran Desert region.  Until the freezing temperatures, my trees, shrubs and plants have endured six years of vitality with no problems.  My yard, however and everyone else’s in the neighborhood is a fiasco of brown demise.   After loosing over thirty plants, it is now time to re-landscape.   I’m really sorry for the loss, but I find it energizing to explore the season’s new plants at the local nursery.   It’s not the laborious work that excites me, but basking in the after glow of a well thought out and planted garden.

Before planting though, there’s a huge dead plant problem that we must address.  My husband, David and I have to cut back the oversized Lantanas, Hibiscus and Bougainvillea’s.  Then, it’s on to digging out the roots, which I gladly pass the shovel over to him.  Finally after all the laborious work, we cut the plants down to small sticks so they can fit into the green bin that get’s collected once a week.  This part seems like a walk in the park compared to the previous exertion.  With the green bin getting collected once a week, this project should take around six weeks.  

After carefully analyzing ideas for my new garden I realize hardy plants will be best to take the place of those that have recently passed.   In my backyard I have a retaining wall and since all plants will have to be replaced I’ve decided to add Trailing Rosemary.  This will give the area an evergreen and decorative lift. 

Trailing Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis is a fragrant evergreen ground cover that thrives in arid zones.  It also tolerates frost and freezing temps as low as 10° F.   This evergreen is not only attractive, but also blooms tiny blue (almost purple) or white flowers.  The bees do love these flowers, so if you don’t mind the buzzing, then Rosemary will brighten any desert garden all year long. 

Rosemary flowers from winter to spring and does well in the full sun (six hours or more).   This moderate growing ground cover is a desert gardener’s dream because it’s drought resistance and doesn’t need daily watering.  In fact, the plant only needs water every two-three weeks in the summer and once a month in the winter.  If the leaves turn yellow, then take it as a sign to give it more water.  

Rosemary likes a sandy, well-drained soil and requires only a fish/kelp emulsion to jump-start it at the beginning of the growing season.   Although, difficult to start from seed, you can cut a two inch stem from an existing plant and propagate by placing it in water.  Once the roots grow, plant in a warm location with indirect sun until the plant is established, then transplant to a sunny location.  

Plant Trailing Rosemary in herb gardens, containers or in pots on balconies for beautiful cascading effects.  I also use regular upright Rosemary shrubs to accent my retaining wall for a border effect.  This will give any big empty space depth and color.

Trailing Rosemary
Photo by Bev McMann


To prune: Shear the top, but not past the last bit of foliage to encourage the side branches to spread.

Uses:
Culinary herbs—add to vegetables, poultry and soups.  Rich in Vitamin A, C, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Magnesium.
Rosemary infused olive oil
Medicinal/essential oils
Cut Flowers



For References see "Sources" tab.


22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very lovely site especially like the photos and the information of Rosemary!

Bev said...

Thanks Anonymous. BTW--you've been one of my favorite authors. From time memorial you have graced us with your wisdom, humor and validation. Keep up the good work Anonymous. :)!

Insect G said...

No pesticides please. I want to eat your vegetables.

Bev said...

Thanks for you post IG. I only use organic products, mainly made from strong herbs and spices. This way I am maintaining a balance in nature. Organic products deter insects and pests instead of killing them. :D!

Dr. Laura Lambert said...

Great Blog! Rosemary is also considered a "nootropic" herb - meaning it enhances memory and clarity of the mind. It could be recommended to smell a sprig of rosemary while studying or meditating...

Bev said...

Thanks Dr. Lambert for the great information on enhancing memory. I will keep this info handy and use the sprigs from my garden. :)!

Haley said...

I didn't even know we could grow Rosemary in Arizona, but I don't know a lot of about gardening either. It looks like Rosemary would be a great low-maintenance addition. It looks awesome on your retaining wall :)

Bev said...

Thanks Haley for leaving a comment. Rosemary is not only a beautiful herb but it grows abundantly here in the southwest desert. A must have for any garden.

Lisa said...

You have a good combination of factual information and personal tips in this post, Bev. I like that you provided a picture of what a Trailing Rosemary looks like. The picture helped me make the connection that my parents had a rosemary plant in their backyard for quite awhile. Fragrant is an understatement for this plant; I remember every time my mom would trim it, she would smell like rosemary for the rest of the day!

Bev said...

Thanks Lisa for your comment. Rosemary is extremely floral and medicinal. The oil lingers for quite a while after being cut. Hope your Mom still has it in her garden.

Sarah: Everyday Clementine said...

I love that you included photos in your posts, I think that is a huge plus. As always, very informative.

Bev said...

Thanks for commenting Sarah.

Mario said...

Beverly, its been a while since we worked together. Nice blog, this is one I will have to bookmark. Being a person who loved to cook, I prefer to use fresh herbs when I am in the kitchen. I have a planter on the side of my house with all kinds of stuff. I may have to hit you up for advice when the heat rolls in. - Mario

Bev said...

Thanks Ken for stopping by my blog. Yes, followers are always welcome and it gives us a chance to catch up on each other's blogs. :)

Stori Ruhter said...

I'm really excited to follow your posts. You did a great job! :)

Bev said...

Thanks Stori--really appreciate you commenting. :)

Renee Mullins said...

Ohhhh I love trailing rosemary - it smells so good! Its about time someone writes about the special challenges that face us Phoenicians. Are you going to include any helpful tips for rose gardens? I mourn every summer for my few rose bushes that begin to look like they aren't going to survive the season. I think adding the picture is a good idea as alot of people might not know what it will look like in their garden. Great idea for a blog and best of luck!

candacekim said...

When first moving to Arizona, I would've never believed that people could garden in this desert. But you have proved me wrong! From the photo you've posted your garden looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your gardening knowledge, and I look forward to checking out your future posts.

Bev said...

Thanks Renee and Candace for your comments. Even though the heat is difficult to live with in the summer--plants have adapted here. Such a good thing for all of us.

Unknown said...

cute blog title :) I think it is cute, and smart as well, because it relates the full length of your post. The design looks like it's came along well!

Bev said...

Thanks for your comment Catherine. Stop by any time. :)

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