Vines are underused in gardens of the desert, and I cannot think why. Vines are the jewelry of a garden, that little splash of color that makes it all come together. They are evocative and romantic reminiscent of bright sunshine, crisp patios wrapped with floral sides, and languid days. In my fondest fantasy about vines a truly great meal is served under an arbor awash in bloom, with the scents of flowers and food mingling in the late afternoon. It is certainly hot enough in the low desert to benefit from the cooling effect of vines.
Vines are important in cooling desert buildings by a process known as passive cooling.
Planted against a southern or western wall or window, vines prevent the high, hot summer sun from warming walls. In winter, when the vines are leaner, often deciduous, they leave the same wall exposed to the welcome warmth of the low winter sun. This makes a heavy hand with vines particularly desirable in a new or just emerging garden where shade is scarce or too small to do any good. The vines that follow are some of my personal favorites. This dark green vine need a sturdy prop.