Archive for September, 2016

WHY DON’T YOU GIVE IT A BREAK THIS YEAR?

September 28, 2016

Considering a winter lawn? Consider the benefits of forgoing a winter lawn this season instead. Not only do winter lawns use more water than dormant Bermuda (warm season) grass, they cost more, take more maintenance, and can weaken the Bermuda lawn. Each year, more people are embracing the monetary, time, and environmental savings of forgoing a winter lawn. A recent …

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CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT KNOLL LAKE

September 27, 2016

Knoll Lake, named for the small island in the middle of the lake, is located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. This scenic lake is 108 miles east of Flagstaff and is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There is also a campground; open late April to …

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HOW TO SELECT LOW WATER USE PLANTS THAT THRIVE | PART 3 OF 10

September 23, 2016

Thanks to an amazing visit to the Scottsdale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at Chaparral Park during Part 2 of our 10-part series, Lisa Osborne was inspired to start selecting plants she liked for size, form, color and function for her fab new landscape. She also learned about plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, something she’d like include in her own backyard. …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH: SALVIA OR SAGE

September 21, 2016

With over 750 species, salvia (commonly called sage) offers a great variety of forms, foliage, and seasonal colors. Sages are known for their fragrant foliage and long-lasting, spectacular blooms. The flowers emerge above the rounded shrubs either distinctly spaced on tall skewers or in long, densely clustered spikes. Although mostly noted for their cool blue, purple, or lavender blooms, some …

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HOW TO DESIGN A LOW WATER USE LANDSCAPE | PART 2 OF 10

September 15, 2016

In last week’s video, you were introduced to our winner, Lisa Osborne, and saw her sad and drab backyard. So we’re excited in our second video to start formulating our ‘fab’ plan for our featured backyard rehab winner! In this segment, Lisa Osborne, our Drab 2 Fab Backyard Rehab winner, consults with Janet Waibel, a landscape architect with Waibel & Associates …

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HOW TO CREATE A FABULOUS LOW WATER USE LANDSCAPE | PART 1 of 10

September 9, 2016

This past Spring, the Water – Use It Wisely campaign had nearly 11,000 entries to its Drab 2 Fab Backyard Rehab promotion with ABC/15 TV.  If you entered, THANK YOU! If you didn’t win, we invite you to live vicariously through our winners, Lisa and Alan Osborne of Avondale. Today launches a 10-part video series where you will meet the winners. See their drab backyard. …

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TIRED OF SKIMMING AND CLEANING? 10 POOL-FRIENDLY SHADE TREES

September 6, 2016

Cities need trees, including our desert cities. Trees help to mitigate the heat island, reduce ground temperatures in the evening and remove pollutants from the air. Trees raise property values, save energy by shading walls and windows, and attract birds and other wildlife. Here’s the question: Why don’t we plant more of them? Here’s one answer: Some people think of …

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CHINESE PISTACHE