Live Zoom Classes
With Tucson Botanical Gardens
Look below to check for Marylee's Upcoming Live Zoom Classes offered by the Tucson Botanical Gardens!
Most of Marylee's classes are on Wednesday or Thursday at 1:00 pm Arizona Time.
If you cannot make a class live, you will receive a video replay and Marylee is always available for questions.
Current Zoom Class Prices
Members: $29
Non-members: $36
I Don’t Want My Potted Plants to Die
Pot Size Matters, Shade Rules, Soil Secrets, and Saving Pots from the Brink
Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm AZ Time
Replay + Slides included with registration
Late summer is tough on container gardens—but with the right fixes, you can keep your pots going strong. This class dives into troubleshooting tired pots, managing full-sun exposure, and how to bring your containers back to life. A practical, encouraging class for every hot-weather gardener who’s feeling the struggle.
Planting Trees in Pots
Plant selection, function and styling of potted trees, installation, care and long-term life in pots.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm AZ Time
Trees definitely have a place in your pots. Learn the ins and outs of choosing and planting trees in containers. In this class, Marylee Pangman, our Desert Potted Garden Expert, will cover plant selection, function and styling of potted trees, installation, care and long-term life in pots. Additionally, learn when to add color under the tree's canopy with additional flowers and trailing plants
Desert Container Gardening - Create a Plan for 365 Days of Living Color
Uncover the keys to thriving desert container gardens with Marylee's proven Beat the Heat Pillars: Pots, Placement, Plants, Prevention, and Pleasure.
Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm AZ Time
As desert summers grow longer and hotter and winters bring sudden temperature drops, maintaining a thriving container garden can be challenging. Discover the secrets of successful container gardening from Marylee, who has honed her methods over 30 years of designing, planting, and caring for thousands of pots. Uncover the keys to thriving desert container gardens with Marylee's proven Beat the Heat Pillars: Pots, Placement, Plants, Prevention, and Pleasure. These insights will equip you to confidently plan and enjoy your potted gardens year-round, regardless of the weather.
Container Gardening That Thrives in the Desert Winter; Color, Combos, and Planting Strategies for Winter Success
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm AZ Time
Winter in the desert provides us with gorgeous flower gardens in pots. From full-sun pots to shady retreats, this inspiring class gives you the tools to design containers that survive and shine through the winter. Includes recommendations for javelina-resistant plants, planting in shade, creative combos, and Marylee’s favorite selections from her master winter plant list.
Succulents in pots; From Indoor Dish Gardens to Outdoor Showstoppers
Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:30 pm AZ Time
Learn to Create Eye-Popping Cactus Displays. Marylee will share tips and techniques to create succulent gardens of all shapes and sizes for inside and out. Many of her favorite succulents (and cacti) for pots, and how to plant and care for them. In this 90-minute virtual class, Marylee will also share living, gift-giving ideas.
Garden Journals
Desert Container Gardening Notebook
and Journal – Summer
Your Desert Garden’s Smartest Summer Tool.
Tired of guessing what works in your pots?
This printable notebook helps you track what thrives, fix what doesn’t, and plan with purpose—all tailored to desert container gardening.
Set goals, log your progress, and get inspired with plant picks, practical tips, and space to grow your best summer garden yet.
Cost $5
Desert Container Gardening Notebook and Journal – Summer
Get ALL of Marylee's Self-Study Classes
for one low price!
Get Marylee's Best Self-Study Classes for one low price! Save!!
Green Thumb Bundle: Master Desert Container Gardening
Learn the basics so you get started on the right foot
Discover everything Marylee knows about watering pots in the desert.
Learn how to design your pot collections as well as your plants
8 + Hours of video instructions!
Planning a Container Garden That Thrives
Cost $79
It's like getting six classes FREE!
Marylee’s
Individual Self-Study Classes
Living COLOR 365 - Potted Desert Design Series
Unlock the secrets to vibrant desert container gardening with our comprehensive program, “Living Color 365: Potted Desert Design Series.” Dive into more than 3 hours of expert guidance from Marylee, the Desert’s Potted Garden Expert, and master the art of planning, planting, and nurturing your container gardens to thrive year-round.
Cost $79
Start Strong with Desert Container Gardening
Self-Study Video Class
A complete, downloadable, self-study video class and timed outline.
Newcomers to desert gardening and experienced gardeners alike struggle with growing flowers, perennials, and shrubs in pots in the desert. In this self-study class, you will learn Marylee's tested practices and have the advantage of planting your pots and getting it right the first time. As Marylee says, "I want to keep your money out of the compost heap."
Cost: $39.00
Just Add Water - How to Keep Your Desert Pots Alive
Learn How to Keep Your Plantings Alive in Your Desert Pots
A self-study video class and accompanying notebook.
The top question Marylee is asked about desert container gardening is how to keep your plants alive. 95% of plant failure is due to inappropriate watering. Learn how to water your container gardens all year long.
Cost: $39
Marylee’s Desert Container
Gardening Books
In her books, Marylee Pangman shares a wealth of information gained through 3 decades of creating successful potted gardens in the desert.
Getting Potted in the Desert and Riley's Garden Oasis make perfect companion books for anyone creating a container garden in their desert home.
Sign Up for Marylee’s
Best Potted Garden Tips ~ Free
Want Gorgeous Pots at Your Desert Home
- 12 Months of Marylee’s To-Do List for Desert Pots
- Free Guide, "8 Tips to Succeed with Desert Pots"
- Lifetime Subscription to the Potted View E-News