Deciding what to plant:

Make a list

We just love lists!  What plants do you like?  Why would you spend water and time on those particular plants? 

For example: We just planted a Palo Verde tree because:

• it creates shade
• It is drought tolerant
• honey bees love its flowers
• dropped flowers will help build healthy soil
• it is very pretty
  

What plants do well together?

Consider companion planting when picking your plants.

Why?  Among other things, it has to do with nutrient sharing.  Sometimes a plant will fix nitrogen in the soil and help a nearby plant.  A plant may even take nutrients away from another.   

The best example of this is the "Three Sisters".  Planting corn, beans and squash.  There are many articles on the subject, so no need for me to regurgitate the same info here.  Walden Labs has a great site which will clear things up if this is confusing. 

  As always, you do you.  Plant what you want and see what happens. Keep in mind it is often cheaper to learn from someone else's mistakes.