Angela Judd is a well-known expert in desert gardening. Since becoming a Master Gardener in 2015, she has shared her expertise widely through her blog, social media (@growing.in.the.garden), and the Growing in the Garden Academy, offering guidance on sustainable practices for challenging climates. Her 2021 book, How to Grow Your Own Food: An Illustrated Beginner’s Guide to Container Gardening, has become a go-to resource for new gardeners. 

Though she started with vegetables in her Arizona garden, Angela’s journey with roses is a newer chapter in her gardening journey. In 2020, she planted her first two James Galway climbing roses, choosing them for their large, double blooms and soft fragrance. Now climbing over the arched entrance to her garden, her roses have become a major focal point. “I love how they’ve brought structure and beauty to my garden,” she shares. “Each year, they just keep getting better.” 

Angela has always focused on sustainability and resilience, especially in Arizona’s arid conditions. So adding roses was a natural next step to attract more pollinators and bring vibrant colors to her yard. “Seeing the rose garden at Mesa Community College and learning from local rose enthusiasts made me realize roses could thrive here,” Angela explains. This fall, she added two more varieties— Memorial Day and Mother of Pearl—both heat-resistant roses that do well in hot climates. “I’m excited to see these new additions take root,” she says. “They’ll bring even more charm to my garden.” 

Angela’s experience with desert climates means that she plants roses with future seasons in mind. “Caring for roses in the summer starts when you plant them,” she says. She recommends that desert gardeners use nutrient-rich soil and plant in a location with afternoon shade. “Deep, regular watering and a layer of mulch really help them get through the hottest months,” she notes. As temperatures drop, Angela resumes a light feeding routine and gives older roses a gentle prune to encourage a fresh bloom cycle in the fall. 

In Angela's garden, roses offer beauty and structure. “Roses are different from annuals or vegetables—they’re a commitment, and they bring a sense of permanence to my garden,” she explains. “They’re a bit of a garden guide, inviting you into different sections. “There’s just something so magical about walking through an arch of blooms.” Angela also uses her roses to share beauty. When a neighbor was grieving a loss, the roses were in full bloom and perfect for a bouquet. “It was such a small gesture,” Angela reflects, “but in that moment, it was a way to show I cared. Roses have this incredible way of speaking without words—they bring comfort and joy in ways we sometimes can’t predict.” 

Angela not only shares her garden with her community, but also learns from her local gardening community. Other experienced Arizona gardeners have been invaluable, providing her with practical tips to keep her roses healthy year-round. “Talking to other rose growers helped me understand how to care for roses in this unique climate,” she shares. “You can read so much online, but sometimes it’s the tips from neighbors or nearby gardeners that make the biggest difference.” 

As Angela’s gardening story continues to evolve, her journey into roses is an inspiring reminder of the beauty and comfort a well-tended garden can offer. “Don’t be intimidated by roses. You’ll learn so much by doing, and high-quality roses make it so much easier.” Angela’s desert garden shows that even in challenging climates, a garden full of blooms—and especially roses—can flourish and bring joy.