Golden Dogbane : The Power of Plants

Plant of the Month – August

Golden Dogbane Thymophylla pentachaeta Plant Form: Perennial Water Use: Low Mature Size: 6-10 in. tall x 1-2 ft. wide Exposure: Full Sun Bloom Time: Spring (March-May), Summer (June-Aug), Fall (Sept-Nov) Native to: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Northern Mexico Hardiness: Cold hardy to 0°F Golden Dogbane is a dainty, colorful plant that brings happiness to both gardeners and butterflies. Because it provides both nectar and food for butterflies and their larvae, it is perfect for butterfly gardens. Gardeners can plant just a few […]

Filed under Plant of the Month · Tagged with Aromatic plants, butterfly gardens, California native plants, California water-wise gardening, cold hardy plants, Container plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, Drought-tolerant plants, gardening with native plants, Golden Dogbane, Heat-tolerant plants, low water use plants, Rabbit resistant, rock gardens, Southern California native plants, southwest desert landscaping, summer bloom, Thymophylla pentachaeta, Water-wise landscaping, Xeriscape plants

I am amazed every day at how much happens on our half-acre of High Desert property. Whether we are simply looking out the window at our bird feeders, working in our yard, or sitting on our deck watching the sunset, my husband and I get the biggest kick out of seeing the dynamics unfolding between our resident covey of a hundred quail, dozens of songbirds, rabbits, antelope ground squirrels, lizards, friendly snakes, occasional coyotes, bobcat, fox, and even hungry hawks.

It’s hard to believe how much activity can be packed into such a small yard when it has various levels of “living spaces,” simulating a multi-story hotel, creating homes galore in ground covers, branches, and canopies of plants. Added to the backdrop of a seasonal procession of color from flowering plants, fruiting shrubs and trees, the happenings in our yard provide continual cause for delight, surprise, inspiration, and celebration.

I hope you enjoy following the fascinating cycle of life that plays out in a yard dedicated to wildlife, water-wise native plants, and other delights of a hopeless plant lover.

Robin Kobaly's Soil Demo

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Join us on a captivating adventure into the world of plants and their impressive uses. Experience the plants growing in your area’s natural community as you never have before…through taste, smell, touch, herbal remedies, landscape, stories and even art.

Find food, medicine, home décor and garden landscaping in the plants native to the southwestern United States, and learn how to prepare them yourself during our hands-on workshops.

Have Fun Learning about Native Plants!

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About the Power of Plants
Water-Wise Landscaping: The DVD

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