News & Events

News & Events

Why the Desert Benefits from Low-Water-Use Plants Over Turf or Rockscapes

September 13, 2023

In today’s climate, low-water-use plants have emerged as the superior choice over traditional lawns, artificial turf, and rockscapes due to their many advantages—especially in regions like ours that are facing water scarcity and environmental challenges. Water – Use It Wisely, with permission, is reposting this blog from one of our favorite local garden centers, SummerWinds Nursery. Discover why low-water-use plants are the …

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Plant of the Month (to NOT Plant): Ryegrass or Winter Grass

September 6, 2023

To Overseed or NOT to Overseed… Most Americans love lush, green lawns, and have shown that they are willing to do whatever it takes to have them. Nowhere is this act of defiance against nature and common sense more obvious than in the Arizona desert, especially in the fall when the ritual of winter grass activities begins! You’ll hear the …

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Trade Your Water-Thirsty Grass for a Xeriscape

August 30, 2023

CONSIDER A CONVERSION It’s summertime! The summer monsoon with warmer temperatures and higher humidity has helped your grass grow thick and lush. The grass is finally greening up, and is even filling in nicely where you had brown spots. The conditions are perfect… perfect for killing your bermudagrass lawn that is. Keeping a green, attractive lawn isn’t a simple task …

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Removing Your Pool: Saving More Than Water

August 15, 2023

Have you thought about a pool removal? Not only is it a great way to reclaim your backyard for other uses, it may also make your yard safer for children or pets. While it may be true that one in six pool owners surveyed wish they could get rid of their pools, many fail to do so because they lack …

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Plant of the Month: How Do Those Desert Plants Survive?

August 7, 2023

HOW PLANTS COPE WITH THE DESERT CLIMATE Desert plants tend to look very different from plants native to other regions. They are often swollen, spiny, and have tiny leaves that are rarely bright green. Their strange appearance is a result of their remarkable adaptations to the challenges of the desert climate. Aridity is the sole factor that defines a desert …

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Simple Ways to Check for Water Leaks – With Videos!

July 25, 2023

Did you know that the average household loses more than 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks? Water leaks not only increase your monthly bills but also contribute to unnecessary water waste. As responsible homeowners in Arizona, it’s crucial to be proactive in conserving water and reducing our environmental impact. We teamed up with our partners in Chandler to …

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Pools: Early Leak Detection Is Key to Saving Water & Money

July 17, 2023

Did You Know that an estimated 20% of pools in Arizona have leaks? Water – Use It Wisely, with permission, is reposting this blog from our favorite home advisor, Rosie on the House.  *   *   * Thanks to an abundance of winter rains and significant snowpack, we’re seeing less drought news in the headlines . . . for now. However, …

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Plant of the Month: Slipper Flower

July 7, 2023

Plant Description Slipper Flower (Euphorbia lomelii or sometimes sold under the old name of Pedilanthus macrocarpus) has succulent light green stems that grow upright from a woody root crown. The jointed stems are mostly unbranched, ¾ inch thick and up to 3 feet tall. The plant can eventually spread to 2 feet wide. Small leaves along the stems drop soon …

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Join SRP At The Virtual Water Conservation Expo

June 19, 2023

As one of the Valley’s largest suppliers of water, Salt River Project (SRP) reminds you that July is typically the month of peak water demand for landscapes. The Irrigation Association named July ‘Smart Irrigation Month‘ to increase awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies. SRP invites Valley customers to learn about SRP’s role in water and save money on a …

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Prepare for Monsoon Season with These 5 Landscape Tips

June 12, 2023

Here in Arizona, the monsoon season officially runs from June 15 to September 30,  but summer storms often don’t move in until July. When it does hit, it’s time to lower the shade umbrellas and batten down the hatches. Powerful storms can roll in bringing downpours, wind, hail, dust, microbursts, haboobs … you get the idea. While we love them–but …

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Plant of the Month: Vitex or Chaste Tree

June 5, 2023

Learn more about Vitex agnus-castus, Chaste Tree or Monk’s Pepper This small tree provides spring and summer color, and is great for pollinators! At-A-Glance Bloom Period: Summer Mature Height x Spread: 25 x 25 ft (8 x 8 m) Exposure: Full sun Cold Tolerance: -10°F (-23°C) Origin: Southern Europe   Description This is a large, deciduous shrub commonly grown as …

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School’s Out and Water’s In: 5 Ways to Save Water Over Summer Break

May 30, 2023

Hey there! It’s Wayne Drop, your favorite water-saving pal from Water – Use It Wisely. As school ends and summer begins, it’s time to unleash your water-saving powers at home! I’ve got five splash-tastic ways to conserve water during your epic summer break. After all, it’s a break from school, not from saving water.   1. Turn Off the Faucet …

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