2026 PGSU Garden Story: Frank and Susie

A Desert Garden That Grew Organically

Some gardens begin with a carefully drawn plan.

Frank’s garden began with curiosity.

A longtime Southern Utah resident, Frank has always been fascinated by desert plants — the kinds that quietly thrive in the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. Over the years, he began experimenting with growing them himself, collecting seeds, propagating plants, and learning which varieties could adapt to the unique soils and climate of the region.

“I’ve always been interested in growing desert plants,” Frank explains. “Some of them are surprisingly hard to grow. They’re very specific about altitude, climate, soil, and water.”

What began as a hobby slowly turned into something more.

A Garden That Found Its Moment

Several years ago, Frank and his wife, Susie, began thinking about changing their yard. Their lawn had once been a place where grandchildren played, but as the years passed, it saw less and less use.

“When we heard about the water-wise landscaping program, it was perfect timing,” Frank says. “We were already thinking about taking the lawn out and putting something else there.” 

The decision opened the door to something Frank had been quietly preparing for.

For years he had been propagating desert plants - growing them from seeds collected in nearby desert hills and nurturing them until they were strong enough to transplant. Suddenly, he had the perfect place to showcase them.

Walking Through the Desert

Instead of a formal design, Frank allowed the garden to evolve naturally.

A dry wash (arroyo) winds through the center of the yard, lined with native-colored red stone that reflects the surrounding landscape. Plants are placed in a way that mimics how they would grow in nature - scattered, layered, and free.

“There wasn’t much of a plan,” Frank says with a smile. “It just happened organically.” 

That philosophy shapes the entire garden.

Rather than overwhelming the space with constant blooms, Frank prefers moments of surprise - a single flower emerging from a cactus, a penstemon suddenly bursting into color, or California poppies spreading joyfully across the soil after a spring rain.

“There’s so much beauty in the desert,” he explains. “When one flower appears out here, it feels spectacular.” 

A Passion for Desert Plants

Frank’s love for desert plants runs deep.

During his years working part-time at local nurseries and exploring the region’s native landscapes, he became especially interested in plants that belong in this environment - species that thrive with minimal water and reflect the natural character of Southern Utah.

Penstemons, desert wildflowers, and hardy succulents make regular appearances throughout the garden.

Many of the plants visitors will see started as small experiments - seeds carefully collected, propagated, and nurtured before finding their place in the landscape.

“Some of them grow like weeds,” Frank laughs. “Others are very picky.”

A Garden That Keeps Growing

Although the garden already feels established, it is still evolving.

A small greenhouse in the yard now serves as Frank’s propagation space, where new plants are started and tested before moving into the landscape.

Some are planted in the yard. Others are shared with neighbors and friends.

The garden continues to change - just as nature intends.

Desert Beauty, One Moment at a Time

Frank’s garden is not about perfection or strict design.

It’s about learning from the desert.

By allowing plants to grow where they thrive, conserving water, and embracing the quiet beauty of native landscapes, the garden reflects a deeper appreciation for the environment around it.

Here, beauty doesn’t shout.

It appears in small moments - a bloom after a rainstorm, a poppy in the sun, or a desert plant thriving exactly where it belongs.

And that, Frank believes, is the real magic of desert gardening.

Come enjoy Frank and Susie's garden at the Parade of Gardens; April 24th-26th, 2026.