[Arid_gardener] western mugwort (Artemesia)

[Linda Drew]

Hi, Allison

I have not grown this plant.
Judy Mielke includes it in her book, "Native Plants
for Southwestern Landscapes". She says it needs
good drainage and would do well in partial shade
in the low desert. Downside is that it has a vigorous
root system and spreads by underground stems to
form colonies so it can be a problem in rich soil and/or
may overtake other landscape plants. The pollen is
allergenic. Needs supplemental water only during
extended droughts. Call local nurseries for a source.

Keeping cats out of your yard:
Our neighborhood continues to explore solutions.
Here are a few ideas that will reduce the problem:
Owning a dog is a big deterent.
Using thorny, prickly plants or mulch around the
garden helps.
Spray the cats with water every time you see them.
Bang pans every time you see the cat.
TNR (trap, neuter, return) endorsed by our local
Humane Society.  Because TNR cats are neutered,
inoculated, well fed and sheltered, they are not
as much of a problem (eliminates growing population
of un-owned cats, reduces predation on birds &
lizards, reduces spraying and other objectionable
behaviors, encourages resident cats to drive out
new cats that show up in the neighborhood).

Linda Drew


>From: ajacks at cox.net
>To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
>Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page
>Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:36:22 -0700 (MST)
>
>Allison Jackson
>  85226
>ajacks at cox.net
>
>I am interested in artemesia ludoviciana (western mugwort).  Does it grow 
>well here in the valley?  What are the sun and water requirements, 
>especially during the summer?  I had read somewhere that having this plant 
>in your yard would help keep cats out of your yard.  Is this true?  And, 
>where can I find this plant to purchase?  Thank you.
>
>
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>Arid_gardener mailing list
>Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu
>http://CALS.arizona.edu/mailman2/listinfo/arid_gardener

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