Thank you Dan and George. The South African bulb fraternity is quite active, I found, and also helpful. Hightly recommended were all gladioli, which I will try this spring. If I succeed with gladioli I will try getting other bulbs from S.A. Yes, this is the high desert in part; the soil is sandy, pebbly and rocky, with extreme temps. Overnight low this morning was 11 Deg. F. which is the coldest I've ever experienced here. Normal high temps in summer are over 100 Deg. F. mac

I live in a desert region and we have lots of wildflowers. Some are annual, but there are also a lot of perennial ones too. Are you familiar with the Palmer Penston? They are blooming now. I could collect you a few seed of that if you are interested. Of course it will be awhile before they go to seed. It is too late for the Prince's Plume and the Orange Mallow, but the Blue Flax is setting seed now. Let me know.

Hi! I'm in Ridgecrest! I know this is a very old thread, but is anyone else from this little area? I sure could use a mentor on how to help this "soil" here. thanks!

I never seen problems with Mulberries breaking in the wind and disease problems you mention develope mostly with poor pruning management or "topping" .... they are big sturdy fast growing handsome trees when planted right and taken care of ... give them plenty of room above and below ground ... not for small landscapes ...... there biggest problem roots ... and you will have plenty of mess to clean up indeed fruitless or not ... It is not unheard of to see Mesquites falling over frequently ... but improper use of drip irrigation methods are often a malor culprit .... Mulberries will have different watering requirements then xeriphytes so you will have to plan your landscape and irrigation design accordingly. Good Day .....