Desert Landscape Basics

Desert Landscape Basics

When: 2nd Saturday of every month

Monthly Gardening Classes at Four Arrows Garden

If you’ve ever looked at your yard and thought, “I just want this to look nice and actually grow,” this class series is for you.

Desert Landscape Basics is a monthly class series (see monthly topics below) designed to help you confidently grow a beautiful, low-stress desert landscape using the right plants, the right timing, and realistic care for Southern Arizona.

These classes focus on desert landscape plants — trees, shrubs, natives, succulents, and seasonal color — along with watering, seasonal care, and smart planning. It’s all about creating outdoor spaces that thrive here and feel good to live in.

Each class is one hour long and includes approximately 30 minutes of guided instruction followed by open Q&A time, where you can ask questions about your own yard and get practical, beginner-friendly advice you can use right away.

Whether you’re starting with bare ground, maintaining an existing landscape, or just feeling unsure what to do next, these classes are designed to meet you where you are.

2026 Desert Landscape Basics Class Topics by Month:

February 14th:

Avoiding the Biggest Desert Gardening Mistakes

Learn the most common desert landscaping mistakes homeowners make — from watering and plant placement to spacing and expectations — and how to avoid them before they cost you time, money, and plants.

March 14th:

Water Smarter, Not Harder

Understand how to water landscape plants properly in the desert, including deep watering, seasonal adjustments, drip basics, and how to tell when plants actually need water.

April 11th:

Citrus Success in the Desert

Everything you need to know to grow healthy, productive citrus in the desert, including planting, fertilizing, seasonal care, and common citrus issues we see locally.

May 9th:

Native Plant Picks & Care Tips

Learn how to choose and care for native plants that thrive in our climate, support wildlife, and create beautiful, low-water landscapes without looking wild or unplanned.

June 13th:

Surviving Summer, How to Keep Plants Alive

Summer can be tough on desert landscapes. This class covers how to support plants through extreme heat, what stress looks like versus plant death, and what not to do during the hottest months.

July 11th:

Monsoon Planting Tips

Monsoon season can be one of the most active times in the landscape. Learn what to plant, how to manage growth, and how to care for plants during periods of heat, humidity, and rain.

August 8th:

Succulent Picks & Care Tips

Not all succulents thrive in our climate. Learn which varieties do best outdoors in the desert, where to plant them, and how to avoid common succulent mistakes.

September 12th:

Fall Is for Planting

Fall is one of the best times to plant in the desert. Learn what to plant, why fall planting matters, and how to set new plants up for long-term success.

October 10th:

Desert Tree Picks & Care Tips

Choosing the right tree makes all the difference. This class covers tree selection, placement, watering, and care to support healthy growth and long-term shade.

November 14th:

Winter Prep Made Easy

Prepare your landscape for cooler temperatures without overdoing it. Learn about frost protection, winter watering, pruning basics, and cold-hardy plant care.

December 12th:

Setting your Garden up for Spring Success

Wrap up the season by learning how to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to make smart, manageable improvements that set your landscape up for spring success.

Good to Know:

• Beginner-friendly and open to all experience levels

• Focused on landscape plants – go from bare backyard to backyard oasis

• Great for new desert residents and long-time locals

• Seating may be limited — early arrival is encouraged

• Always free — no cost to attend

• Different topics every month

• Beverages & snacks available for purchase

• Kids are welcome to attend and take home a free succulent from Lil’ Sprout Station

• Friendly dogs on leashes welcome

• Held on our terrace with gorgeous mountain views — come for the info, stay to unwind