Would you like to grow something besides cactus and desert willows in your yard? Just because temperatures are high and rain is scant you don't have to give up your tulips, peppers, mums, daisies, broccoli or green beans. You just need to know what times of year are most conducive to each type of plants best growing conditions. Gardening in higher desert altitudes presents challenges not faced by those who live in moister climates that are closer to sea level. These areas combine a dry climate with the effects of high altitude on plants and animals. In any given high desert area there can be wildly varying climates within a 30 mile radius. Mountains deflect winds and affect weather systems. Solar radiation scalds leaves in higher terrain. A microclimate is an area of weather conditions differing from the prevailing conditions due to terrain, water features, plant life, or manmade structures. Once you realize how these things can modify weather in your yard you can create ways of protecting your flowers, vegetables and trees from climate extremes. This full color book goes into detail on global climatic norms and how a high desert environment differs from standard. It discusses how to observe the climates and microclimates of your living environment and offers advice on creating conditions more beneficial to whatever kind of plant life you would like to foster in your vegetable or flower gardens.