Be Inspired Blog | Arizona SummerWinds Nursery

Three images: plants surrounded by mulch in a garden, a hand lifting up soil with soil health graphics throughout the soil, and a person planting in a raised bed garden.

Mulch vs. Soil Amendments vs. Potting Soil: What’s the Difference (and When to Use Each in Phoenix)?

Not sure whether you need mulch, compost, or potting soil? Here’s a simple breakdown of what each does and when to use them in Phoenix gardens for healthier plants and better results.

A collage of 5 images: a hummingbird with pink and yellow flowers, a dog relaxing on a lawn near lavender plants, a woman relaxing on a hammock near a pool and tropical plants, a patio with a lounger and a variety of shrubs and trees, and a cat on a balcony with a variety of flowers in containers and seating in the background.

Arizona Living: Create a Backyard Oasis That Works With the Desert

Discover Arizona living tips for creating a relaxing patio, growing a tasty garden, adding shade, and choosing water-wise, pollinator-friendly plants that thrive in desert heat.

White and pink Vinca flowers, guava fruits growing on the vine, a pink plumeria plant, and Tecoma stans - yellow bells blooms growing outside.

Top 18 Plants to Protect From Frost in the Valley of the Sun

Frost happens in the Valley of the Sun. Learn which plants need protection first and how to prevent cold damage during Phoenix winter nights.

2026 Garden Trends to Watch in Arizona

Arizona gardeners are embracing water-wise, drought-tolerant, and climate-smart garden trends in 2026. See what’s shaping desert gardens this year.

3 images: a frost covered flower, a package of DeWitt Frost Cloth, a backyard in the Southwest with a man and woman covering their raised beds with frost cloth.

Frost Cloth 101: Protecting Your Desert Garden on Cold Nights

Learn how to use frost cloth to protect tropical plants, succulents, cacti, and winter gardens during cold nights in the Greater Metro Phoenix area.