About this episode
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 RosieThe Sonoran Collection Which desert plants have healing properties?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn more!
