QuestionI did my desert landscape 2 years ago and have recently began a renovation. Some of my original plant choices did not work out so well. The Red Fountain Grass became overwhelming, the dead blades of grass are seemingly impossible to get out of the rocks. I have a bottom of the line leaf blower that is just not getting the job done. Do I need a better leaf blower? Or any other advice that could help me get all of the dead brown grass out of the rocks would be greatly appreciated. Also, could you please recommend some replacements. My garden is centered around a single young Joshua Tree and a thriving Palo Verde Tree. The Jumping Cholla, Indian Fig, San Pedro Cactus, and Golden Barrel Cactus are also doing very well. Thank you very much for reading my question and any advice you may have.
Steve
AnswerHey, Steve.
You might be asking the wrong person because I'm not a fan of leaf blowers. I like to go out once a quarter and pick up any excessive leaves, twigs, etc. It's much quieter and more enjoyable than blowing stuff all over the place.
That notwithstanding, any type of grass is probably a poor choice in a desert-themed garden. For the few times that I wanted grass, I planted it in a pot and made it a central figure in the landscape.
It sounds like you might be over in the Palm Springs, California area since you have a Joshua tree, cholla, and barrel cactus growing there, and they are doing well. Consequently, you can basically grow just about anything. Consider the agaves, aloes, and aeoniums. They all can adapt to extreme heat or extreme shade. For a look at what's growing on my property here in East San Diego, which is desert/dry/xeriscape/natural, download this file from my web site: http://www.abouthomes.info/reports/Vegetation.pdf The flowers of the aloes will also attract hummingbirds.
Another thing that you might be able to do is to use large round rocks instead of sharp-edged rocks. The sharper the edges, and the smaller the rocks, the more difficult it will be to clean up excessive debris.
