In March of 2020, I had my 3rd knee surgery scheduled just as all "non-essential" surgeries were going to be stopped to begin quarantine. I was one of my doctor's last surgeries for awhile.
Since I'd be down for a bit and we would be home even more, we decided to move rocks, add lots and lots and LOTS of mulch while adding trees that could take full AZ summer sun. At the time, our entire backyard is gravel. We're on 1/3 acre with a 1500 sq ft home. Lots of rocks. Not alot of house.
We started with a Hong Kong Orchid tree, Moringa, Royal Empress, Pakistan mulberry, Barbados Cherry, Pomegranate, Unknown variety figs, and Oldhamii bamboo. All planted at different times during 2020.
We've since added Royal Poincianas, another Royal Empress, Jacaranda, TX Mountain Laurel, Yellow Bell Tacomas, AZ Sweet Orange, Blood Orange, Tipu, Pink Variegated Lemon, Kumquat, Dwarf Bonanza Peach, FL Prince Peach, Dwarf Everbearing mulberry, Shangri La mulberry, Guamachil, Katy Apricot, Desert Willow, sugar cane, Morning Glory trees and vine, Sugarloaf Mango, Unknown variety Mango, Ice Cream Bean, White Sapote, plumerias, Snow Queen Hibiscus, Coral Vine, variety of canna lillies, tiger aloe, Cuban Oregano, Unknown variety bananas to name what I can off the top of my head 😀
We also added a small pond that attracts all the birds to the yard! I'm still learning those but mostly lovebirds, finches, quail, and hummingbirds hang around besides the normal doves and ravens that are in abundance.
Because we had so much space and not the funds for large trees, we had to start with smaller trees and see how it went. We were also fortunate enough to make friends with amazing garden people that would give a tree or 2 that would help fill in our space! We mostly bought 3g size trees. The Hong Kong Orchid tree in top pic had just been planted in May of 2020. (Larger tree, bottom right.
We added our first chipdrop later that month in September and have been adding since. It's helped drop overall temperature in the backyard just moving rocks, mulch keeps everything so much cooler.
It has added to the buglife as well but that stays outside. No critters have invaded or made their presence known enough for me to feel it's out of control and I need professional help to control.
I also add sulfur. This is why:
"Sulfur can help your lawn in several ways, including:
Adjusting pH: Sulfur lowers the pH level of your soil, making it more acidic, which is ideal for grass growth. A soil pH between 6 and 7 is considered healthy for lawns.
Improving nutrient availability: Sulfur increases the availability of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which helps grass grow strong and healthy.
Enhancing water retention: Sulfur helps soil retain water, which is especially beneficial in dry climates.
Reducing weeds and pests: Sulfur can help create a less hospitable environment for weeds and pests.
Making grass denser and stronger: Sulfur can help grass grow denser, lusher, and stronger. "
Got that from Google to be exact on why I add it at least twice a year😊
Our hobby and pastime now 🌱🌳🍃🌺🐝🦋🐞🐦🦉🐦⬛🍁🍂
We followed this YouTube channel to help us get a better understanding of what we were doing.
https://youtube.com/@shamusoleary2139?si=F8AclgfUPOAmeGoY
We lost alot and learned alot. So grateful for what it's become for us and our family!
by SubiRubiBlu