Blog

Wildflowers announce the arrival of spring in Arizona’s deserts. You might be surprised to learn that wildflowers aren’t technically a low-water using plant. They are drought evaders, completing their life cycle during the rainy seasons in the desert. Most wildflowers are grown from seeds sown in the fall, although some species can be found as plants in containers at the nurseries in the spring. Learn more about wildflowers in the book, Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. Find out how to order a copy of the book on the Water – Use It Wisely “Links and Resources” page. Just look for the details under Landscaping Practices and Xeriscape.

At Mesa’s Living Green workshop on rainwater harvesting, Scott Bouchie, Deputy Director of Environmental & Sustainability presented information about S.T.O.R.M. (STormwater Outreach for Regional Municipalities). Reducing runoff from properties reduces pollutants in our storm drains which ultimately flow into retention basins and rivers. For more information on rainwater harvesting for your landscape, check out Mesa’s $ustainability $avings Tip (PDF). To see upcoming workshops and events by Water – Use It Wisely partners, visit the online calendar.

Rainfall amounts may be minimal here in the low desert, but harvesting rainwater to channel to your landscape plants can be well worth the effort–especially with state tax credits available. Over 7,000 gallons of water a year can be harvested from the rooftop and other surfaces around a typical home. Rainwater is free and contains lots of minerals and nutrients that will boost plant growth. Learn how you can harvest multiple benefits with rainwater collection from the City of Mesa’s February $ustainability $avings Tip (PDF). You may also want to attend Mesa’s February Living Green Workshop titled Harvesting Rainwater for Your Landscape (PDF) on Saturday, February 12th at 1:30 p.m. at the Mesa Main Library, 64 E. First St.

Mesa is one of fifteen Water – Use It Wisely regional partners, many of whom offer water-wise workshops. Check out all of the partner programs from the Water – Use It Wisely calendar on our home page. You can also check out all of our rainwater harvesting links, including tax credit information on our Water – Use It Wisely local resources page.

Steering committee meeting at Park&Co!

It’s Wayne-ing on the Phoenix Metro Light Rail!