The Local Nursery
Area nurseries are not only great resources, they are a fun way to spend an afternoon. The staff is knowledgeable, willing to answer questions and help plan your gardens. They have wonderful selections of desert plants and winter annuals. I love looking at the pots of every size and color, the ironwork that make wonderful trellises, yard art such as copper agave, metal flowers, tile lizards and frogs, iron geckos, and the eclectic assortment of outdoor furniture. If you are searching for ideas, nurseries are a good place to start. Remember to bring your cameras or mini camcorders to record your favorite nurseries and ideas.
When planning a nursery outing, it is a good idea to have a general plan and a budget in mind. Have an overall picture in your head of how you would like your garden space to look, and how much money you are willing to spend to get it. Make a general list of plants you need, such as a vine to cover a wall, groundcover to fill an open space, or a privacy shrub to cover up an unsightly area. A sketch of your garden space can come in handy. It is easy to load your cart with all kinds of great things, end up at the check out counter with a great bill, and not have the items you really need. I know, I have done just that numerous times.
Have fun at the local nurseries!