Things to notice:
Follow wildflower reports for desert blooms of poppies, lupine, and owl clover that blanket the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts with color.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/flower-icon.png)
Try to follow the aerial acrobatics of hummingbirds and you just may locate their nest. Hummingbirds will lay more than one brood of eggs in a season, and they will return year after year to rebuild their nest or create a new one nearby.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/hummingbird-icon-bw.png)
Many bats are returning to the Southwest from their wintering spots now that insects are more plentiful to eat. Look for them at dusk.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/bat-icon.png)
Check your night skies for the Lyrid Meteor showers. The Lyrids tend to be bright and often leave trails, making them perfect shooting stars to wish upon!
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/april-flower.jpg)
Purple Owl’s Clover, Castilleja exserta
“The earth laughs in flowers.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Things to do:
It’s planting time for warm weather crops like tomatoes, peppers and summer squash. Add cactus and succulents, citrus and palms to your landscape.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/cactus-icon-bw.png)
Plant herbs when night temperatures stay above 50° F
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/xplant-apricot-icon-1.png.pagespeed.ic.gvo6P2pGhz.png)
Adjust your irrigation clocks to begin increasing water frequency.
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/bird-icon-bw.png)
Fertilize your shrubs
![](https://southwestliving.tv/wp-content/uploads/rose-icon2.png)
Stop watering winter annual wildflowers, and collect the seeds.