Hey there, water-saving superstars! It’s me, Wayne Drop, your friendly neighborhood water droplet, with some big news and a call for help. Water – Use It Wisely is excited to announce the return of the ‘Save Water with Wayne Drop’ Sticker Contest, and we are looking for creative artists to help design an official set of Water – Use …
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Gardening in Arizona continues to evolve as homeowners work with the desert climate rather than against it. According to SummerWinds Nursery’s 2026 Arizona Garden Trends guide, gardeners across the Valley are focusing on: Water-wise planting Heat-smart landscape design Patio-centered outdoor living, and Plant choices that support pollinators and long-term sustainability. Designs are shifting toward cleaner, desert-modern landscapes that use plants …
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This spring, learn how beautiful water conservation can be. Spring shows up in all the little ways; brighter mornings, blooming shrubs, and that unmistakable urge to finally tackle the yard. Before you know it, the gloves are on, the shovel’s out, and your landscape is ready for a seasonal glow-up. Water – Plant It Wisely is your handy resource to …
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This month’s Plant of the Month blog spotlights another standout selection from the newly revised Cool Plants for Hot Gardens by Greg Starr — a must-have guide for any desert gardener! With 150 water-wise picks perfect for the Southwest, it’s no surprise we’re big fans here at Water – Use It Wisely. One of our favorite features? Greg’s playful deep dives into the etymology (the origin of …
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As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the blog posts that inspired readers to care for their landscapes, conserve water, and support the desert environment. From expert tips on pruning and xeriscape conversions to guides on pollinators, water use, and desert-friendly plants, these articles provided practical advice, innovative ideas, and eye-opening insights. 1. Plant of the Month: Guayacán …
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Hi there, friends! It’s me, Wayne Drop, your favorite water-saving droplet! The holiday season is here, and while we’re busy decking the halls, cooking up feasts, wrapping gifts, and gathering with loved ones, it’s also the perfect time to sprinkle in some water-saving cheer. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just enjoy the magic of winter, these 12 water-saving …
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Submit Your Shots today! A WORLD OF WATER The WRRC Annual Photo Contest is back! This is your chance to capture A World of Water, which is the 2025 contest theme. Use your creativity and technical ability to express the many ways water transforms our world and how humanity transforms water. From ANY LOCATION, we invite you to capture how water …
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On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Mayor Mark Freeman joined Wyland Foundation President and CEO Steve Creech at Kerr Center for Agriscience. They gathered to honor Mesa’s big win in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Mesa earned first place in the 300,000–599,999 population category. It was one of five cities nationwide recognized. This recognition was for achieving the highest …
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Seeds of Spring are Sown in the Fall We’ve never given away a Plant of the Month before—but this time we’re kicking things up a notch with a free wildflower seed packet! Sign up for our monthly newsletter and we’ll mail you seeds to start your own spring bloom. But here’s the catch: you need to plant them NOW. Why …
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This past June, educators from around the Phoenix area gathered for four sessions of the “PHX Water Smart Teaching” program. The program consists of interactive workshops designed by the City of Phoenix Water Services Department’s Water Conservation Office to help Phoenix educators bring water conservation education into their classrooms. What is Water Smart Teaching? Water Smart Teaching is not only …
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The Fall Planting Season is Here! The fall planting season has arrived (really!), and cooler temps make it the perfect time to get your landscape back in shape. Maybe you lost a few plants during the record-hot summer, or maybe you’re ready to swap out high-water-use plants for water-thrifty ones. Either way, fall is the season to dig in! Water …
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September is ‘Planting for Monarchs Month’ in Phoenix and it’s a great time to think about what native species to plant this Fall. Planting native species maximizes the bang for our buck – supporting water conservation while building a healthy urban ecosystem – and the monarch butterfly is just one of many species that benefits. The monarch’s multi-generation, 3,000-mile-long migration …
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