Explore the Healing Plants of the Sonoran Desert

Plant friends, today let’s talk about the Sonoran Desert , one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. As a former New Yorker turned Florida plant parent, I will never forget the first time I visited Arizona and that surreal feeling of standing in a place so unlike anywhere I’d ever been. And lucky for us, I have invited a new plant friend and someone who knows the Sonoran Desert ecosystem like the back of her hand. She’s called Sonoran Rosie, and she’s a herbalist, maker, and desert explorer who has dedicated her life to studying, honoring, and creating with the plants of the Sonoran Desert. Let's get started! In this episode, we learn: [02:30] How Rosie became “Sonoran Rosie” [04:14] What makes the Sonoran Desert so unique? [04:58] The 4 biomes of the Sonoran Desert [07:22] How Sonoran plants survive extreme temperature and rainfall swings [08:21] Ideal springtime desert temperatures [09:06] What is summer like in the Sonoran Desert? [10:11] What a monsoon is like in the desert [11:44] What is creosote (chaparral), aka the plant behind the desert rain smell? [13:14] What are the medicinal properties of creosotes? (especially for skincare!) [14:43] Wind River Chimes [16:22] The Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy Hill [18:13] What do different seasons look like in the desert? [19:52] When is it best to plant tomatoes in the desert? [21:55] What is Rosie’s favorite spring desert plant? [23:04] What are keystone plants, and how important are they for desert wildlife? [25:39] How to make poppy tinctures [26:58] What are Rosie's favorite summer desert plants? [30:35] How Rosie harvests & preserves prickly pear fruit [31:53] What are Rosie’s favorite fall desert plants? [34:24] Jojoba (nut, oil, and skin-loving powerhouse) [37:34] Why harvesting agave destroys the whole plant [39:24] Why Brittlebush is Rosie’s favorite desert plant to work with [40:08] How Rosie's business began with a single creosote spray [42:17] Are there any Sonoran plants that we could have as houseplants? [43:17] Where to find Sonoran Rosie’s book and products Mentioned in the conversation: Seasons of the Desert book by Sonoran Rosie The Sonoran Collection Which desert plants have healing properties? Check out the full show notes and blog to learn more! Follow Sonoran Rosie: Website Store Instagram Facebook Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Quarto: The Preserver's Garden by Staci and Jeremy Hill Grab The Preserver's Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold and enjoy your garden bounty longer! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.