PLANT NOW

Honey mesquite tree Sunset climate zones 10–13: Fall is the best time of year to plant new trees, and natives are often the best choices for Southwestern gardens. The honey mesquite is a tough native that’s as much at home in the Albuquerque foothills as it is in Phoenix. It has a spreading 35-foot-wide canopy and weeping branchlets; the filtered shade beneath it is excellent habitat for agaves, native grasses, and yuccas. Look for ‘Maverick’, a superior thornless selection with bright green leaves and smooth gray bark.

Salad greens Zones 10–13: Sow seeds for kinds that produce all winter. Mix heirloom lettuces such as ‘Amish Deer Tongue’ (small triangular leaves ideal for microgreens), ‘Blonde du Cazard’ (a big French butterhead type with wavy green leaves), and ‘Dark Lollo Rosso’ (a brilliant red leaf lettuce). To these, add spicy greens such as ‘Wild Rocket’ arugula (more strongly flavored than regular arugula) and peppercress (similar to watercress and ready to snack on two weeks after sowing). All are available from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds(417/924-8917).

Spider lily bulbs Zones 12–13: Spider lilies bloom in red (Lycoris radiata) or yellow (L. aurea) in early to midautumn, and they produce strappy green foliage soon after. Plant bulbs in the ground or in pots in an area with winter sun and summer shade for flowers next year. Buy them online or find them in Tucson at Plants for the Southwest (520/628-8773).

Sweet peas Zones 10–13: For fragrant color in February and March, plant them early in the month to get the best germination and the strongest plants. In hot climates, consider Old Spice Mix (very fragrant and probably the most heat-tolerant of all sweet peas) or cream-and-lavender ‘Kings High Scent’ (one of the most strongly scented varieties). Both are from Territorial Seed Company (800/626-0866).

Wildflower seeds Zones 10–13: In the low desert, October is prime sowing time. Plant arroyo lupine, desert bluebell (Phacelia campanularia), desert marigold, Mexican gold poppy, owl’s clover, and Parry’s penstemon now for a vibrant spring display. Before sowing, remove weeds from planting areas and break up soil with a heavy rake. Then distribute seeds and keep soil moist until germination (usually about two weeks). Wild Seed (602/276-3536) sells seeds of native Southwest wildflowers by the packet, ounce, and pound.

TEND YOUR PLOT

Divide clumping perennials If spring or summer bloomers such as daylilies have become overcrowded and less vigorous, it’s time to divide them. Dig up plants, then use a sharp shovel or knife to cut them into two or more sections. Replant divisions in amended soil; water well.

Relocate columnar cactus Zones 12–13: Early in the month while soil temperatures are still warm, transplant young columnar types, such as saguaros, taking care to orient them the same way they were growing (the best way to do this is to flag the south side of the plant). To move one, wrap it in a scrap of carpet, or use a cactus sling, available from Rainbow Gardens Bookshop (from $8.95; 520/577-7406).

ENLARGE IMAGE

Copper Canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii) is a fall garden favorite for good reason: It pumps out pure gold flowers in late autumn and winter when other perennials have closed up shop. The standard variety reaches 6 feet tall and wide, although a compact version (T. l. 'Compacta') grows into a tidy 3- by 3-foot mound. Both have finely divided leaves. People either love or hate the strong herbal scent, but thank-fully rabbits and deer usually find it repulsive. Grow it in full sun, with after-noon shade in the hottest areas, and water regularly. –Scott Calhoun

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