After the rain in The Tropical Paradise

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We got a good rain yesterday and last night. It was mostly typical of what I call a "Christmas rain" here in the Phoenix area, pretty gentle. Although we did get some hard rain - with thunder and lightning later on, which is not so typical. Anyway, rain at this time is expected. And we got some. Not as much as Los Angeles, but some.

Here in The Tropical Paradise, I have artificial turf, which, in addition to looking good and being easy to maintain, is perforated to allow drainage. The flagstone is solidly placed and with just the tiniest tilt to allow drainage. And, of course, the planting beds are raised, where the cycads are. Some parts of the planting beds have a considerable angle, some only slight. But slight is all you need for good drainage - and that's what cycads need! Cycads can't stand to "have their feet wet", so if there is standing water around the roots of your cycad, it's time to move it! You can raise the area, or move it to another place. Just adding more dirt around it won't help, it needs to sit up. Pictured here are two Dioon edule var. palma solas, my favorite type of cycad. They have a nice blueish-green color and look great in summer and winter. To the right is a Chamaerops humilis (a Mediterranean Fan Palm). At the lowest point of the planting area, just before the grass starts, are Narcissus (Daffodils), which do better with more water. The distance is just a few feet, but it makes all the difference in the world for drainage.

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