After taking a long break from blogging, I’m finally back, ready to share my journey where I’ve moved, what I’ve grown, and most importantly, who I’ve become.
Four and a half years ago, I made an unexpected move from San Diego to Las Vegas, where I spent two beautiful years. But my path led me somewhere new—to the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, nestled under Mount Lemmon.
I wanted to be closer to my mom and sister, so I chose the small town of Tanque Verde, and though I know this isn’t my final destination, I’ve fallen in love with this place.
The people here are wonderful, the landscape is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and my time here has been filled with both beauty and challenges.
Cultivating Life in the Desert
In my first two years here, I poured my heart into creating a thriving vegetable garden, a wild edible flower garden, and an herb garden. It was an incredible experience, connecting with the land and learning how to grow food in the desert’s unique climate. I’ll be sharing a few videos below from those seasons of growth.
But today, my garden is empty, and that’s intentional.
You see I’ve been working with a wonderful web designer to redesign andreacox.com on a completely different platform. The reasons for this are shocking, but also very true.
Lessons in Resilience
From the moment I moved into this home, I fell in love with the adobe architecture, the warm and welcoming neighbors, and the peaceful energy of this city. But what I didn’t expect was the challenge that came next. Let’s just say my home life has been quite peaceful and I have zero complaints.
My online life however that has been a different story.
A small group of people, driven by jealousy and envy, attempted to tear me down through cyberbullying and false reporting of my content. This turned into a legal battle that consumed much of my time and energy. While I won’t go into those details today, I will say this: It was an incredibly difficult journey, but one that taught me invaluable lessons about strength, focus, and the power of standing in my truth.
Despite the negativity, I refuse to let it overshadow the beauty of my time here. That’s why today, instead of focusing on the past, I want to share some of the most stunning photos of the adobe home I’ve been blessed to call mine for the past two and a half years.
Before I dive into what I’ve created in the garden and what I’m looking forward to re-creating starting this weekend, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to a few people who stood by me during one of the most challenging times of my life.
For the past few years, I’ve been blessed to have Mushiee as my personal assistant. Through a relentless YouTube hacking, endless false reports on Facebook and Instagram, and the constant trolling that tried to wear me down, she remained my rock. She stood by my side, helping me navigate an exhausting battle against those who waged an online war against me.
Through it all, her unwavering loyalty and support never wavered. Mushiee is a God-fearing, kind-hearted woman, a devoted wife, and someone who will always have a special place in my heart. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life.
My family has also been a silent but powerful force of support. Through text messages, phone calls, FaceTime check-ins, and simple reminders that I wasn’t alone, they proved once again how resilient and strong we are as a unit. We don’t entertain nonsense, and that strength was never more evident than over these past two years.
I am also incredibly grateful for a kind and generous attorney who became an unexpected ally. Offering free advice and standing firmly in my corner, he reminded me that there are still good people in the world who are willing to help without expecting anything in return. Thank you Lou!
Then there’s Joyce, my colon hydrotherapist, who has become more than just a practitioner—she’s a dear friend and confidante. She not only helped me on my health journey but also went above and beyond, even driving me to my dental appointments across the border in Mexico. Our weekly appointments have become something I truly look forward to, not just for the therapy but for the genuine friendship we’ve built.
And finally, a special thank you to my sweet neighbor, who always seems to be there when I need him most—whether it’s fixing something around the house or handling the unexpected wildlife that my dog, Maverick, mistakenly believes are squeaky toys. His kindness and willingness to help have made a world of difference.
To each of you, I am endlessly grateful. Your support, encouragement, and unwavering presence have been a light in some of my darkest moments, and I will never forget it.
I would also like to thank my dear friend, George, Shamir, and Stephen. The countless hours they spent listening to what was going on and guiding me out of the darkness has been incredible. And finally, Paddy. Paddy and I have been friends for 20+ years. Also an attorney, his guidance has been a soft pillow for me to land upon.
Of course I couldn’t forget Louis and Maverick the two husbands with fur that never stopped giving and always keep life exciting.
Looking Ahead
I’m thrilled to announce that my website is getting a complete revamp, and I’ll be returning to blogging regularly! I can’t wait to share more about my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and, of course, plenty of tips on growing your own food in the desert.
To start, here are a few quick tips for cultivating a thriving garden in an arid climate:
- Choose the right plants: Focus on drought-resistant vegetables and native plants that can handle the desert heat.
- Improve your soil: Desert soil lacks organic matter, so adding compost and mulch is essential.
- Water wisely: Drip irrigation and deep watering techniques help conserve water while keeping plants hydrated.
- Use shade strategically: A little shade from trees or shade cloth can prevent plants from getting scorched in peak summer.
Growing Herbs in the Desert
One of the most rewarding parts of gardening is growing fresh herbs, they're easy to maintain, provide incredible flavors for cooking, and often have medicinal benefits. Many herbs thrive in dry climates, as long as you take a few extra steps to care for them properly. Here are some essential tips for growing herbs in the desert:
1. Choose Heat-Tolerant Herbs
Not all herbs do well in extreme heat, but many Mediterranean and native desert varieties thrive here. Some of the best options include:
- Rosemary – Loves the heat and requires minimal water. Perfect for both cooking and landscaping.
- Lavender – Thrives in dry conditions and adds a calming aroma to your garden.
- Thyme – A hardy herb that grows well in rocky, sandy soil.
- Oregano – Tolerates drought and thrives in full sun.
- Basil – Loves the warmth but benefits from some afternoon shade in peak summer.
- Sage – A tough, drought-resistant herb with wonderful medicinal and culinary uses.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
Herbs do not like soggy roots, so it’s crucial to plant them in well-draining soil. Mix in sand, perlite, or compost to improve drainage and aeration. Raised beds and containers can also help control soil conditions.
3. Water Deeply, But Infrequently
Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes in herb gardening. Instead of frequent, shallow watering, water deeply once or twice a week to encourage strong root growth. Herbs like rosemary and thyme actually prefer drier conditions and can suffer from root rot if overwatered.
4. Harvest Regularly
Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and prevents herbs from becoming too woody or leggy. Snip your herbs in the morning when their oils are most concentrated for the best flavor and fragrance.
5. Provide Afternoon Shade in Extreme Heat
While most herbs love the sun, the peak summer heat in the desert can be too intense. If your herbs start wilting midday, consider placing them in a spot with afternoon shade or using shade cloth to protect them.
My Love for Evening Primrose
Among all the flowers I’ve grown, Evening Primrose holds a special place in my heart. There’s something magical about this plant—the way it opens at dusk, releasing a delicate, sweet fragrance that attracts moths and other pollinators.
Evening Primrose isn’t just beautiful; it’s also packed with medicinal benefits. The plant's oil is widely known for its ability to support hormonal balance, improve skin health, and reduce inflammation. In fact, many natural health enthusiasts use Evening Primrose Oil as a supplement to ease conditions like PMS, eczema, and joint pain.
Growing Evening Primrose in the desert is surprisingly easy. It thrives in sandy, well-draining soil and requires minimal watering once established. I’ve found that it self-seeds effortlessly, popping up in unexpected places year after year—almost like a reminder that nature always finds a way.
For anyone looking to add beauty and resilience to their garden, I highly recommend giving Evening Primrose a try. Not only will it fill your space with delicate yellow blooms, but it will also bring a sense of calm and wonder to your evenings.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in the desert presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, it’s incredibly rewarding. From herbs that thrive in the heat to the enchanting beauty of Evening Primrose, there’s so much you can cultivate—even in the most unexpected places.
I’m excited to continue sharing more about my journey, my home, and the things I’m passionate about. Thank you for following along, and stay tuned for more gardening tips, personal reflections, and updates from my desert sanctuary.
Have you ever grown herbs or flowers in a desert climate?
I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!