The busy schedules of Drs. George Dean and Robbie Lee don't allow them to spend a lot of time at home in their garden in Tucson, Arizona. They wanted a tranquil but low-maintenance garden sanctuary that would provide an escape from the pressures of their demanding jobs. The garden is now filled with native plants that are able to flourish without a lot of water or attention. Delicate plants and cacti accent the garden with bursts of color. Among the garden's desert-acclimated plants are fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla) (figure A), mountain lemon marigold (Tagetes lemmonii) (figure B) and barrel cactus.
George and Robbie drew inspiration for the planting scheme from the natural landscape of the hills and mountains that surround their home. For example, George discovered that nestling plants beside stones provided protection. The garden also reflects Arizona's diverse landscape with a series of microclimates arranged along a series of natural-looking pathways. In designing their garden, George and Robbie took advantage of a concept called the nurse-plant relationship--the natural occurrence of tough plants growing next to weaker ones to nurse them along. They're imitated that natural protection by using their house as a giant nurse plant. The microclimates surrounding the house vary depending on sun and wind patterns as well as temperature fluctuations. If George is having problems keeping his plants alive, he tries what he calls the "median approach." He drives down the streets of Tucson searching for plants that can thrive in the median. Any plant that can survive the Arizona climate and car exhaust should be able to grow in his garden, he reasons. One of the most striking features of George and Robbie's garden is a living fence of ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) (figure C), whose tall, bare canes provide privacy. Ocotillo blends well with the native plants and doesn't have the overwhelming look of a wall. Although the plant is mostly leafless throughout the year, it gets some foliage during a rainy season.
Culinary and medicinal herbs complete this tranquil desert sanctuary. By adding plants that provide both nourishment and healing power, George and Robbie have created the perfect combination of form and function in their unique garden.
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