The fall planting season is here! Temperatures are cooler, making it a perfect time to replace your plants you may have lost during the hot summer, or replace your high-water-usage plants with water-thrifty ones. Water – Plant It Wisely: The Ultimate Fall Planting Resource Put your gardening gloves and shovel to work and get your landscaping on par with the …
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We all know that water is an important resource, and Arizonans may understand that better than those in other parts of the country. In an area such as Central Arizona, saving water not only saves money and energy, but it also helps to ensure that communities will be able to grow and thrive for the next generation. WaterSense® is here …
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Everyone needs a home and desert wildlife such as quail, hummingbirds, sparrows, and butterflies are no different. An emerging trend in urban gardening is a return back to our desert roots through the use of native plants and sustainable landscape practices that are done in a way that would encourage these pollinators to visit our gardens. Here are some easy …
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Did you know that up to 70 percent of water is used outdoors? Hard to believe, but it’s true. That’s why focusing on your landscape is one of the best and easiest ways to save water and reduce your water bill. In the southwest, as the searing temps of summer start to subside, fall is a particularly good time to …
Read MoreHi everyone! Wayne Drop here… School is back in session! Which means your brain is back in session, too! Woo-hoo! What better way to get the water mill wheels turning in the “ol’ noggin” than by dropping knowledge on the importance of water conservation. Here’s a great quote about why we need to save water from one …
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Many of us garden for the pure aesthetics that a well-maintained landscape brings to our home. However, there is more to a garden than just beauty. As we consider the installation or renovations to our landscapes, it’s a great time to think about gardening sustainably. Our gardens can provide food and shelter for wildlife, insulate our homes, prevent water runoff …
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Use of low-fired, clay ceramic vessels (ollas) is an ancient technique for the efficient irrigation of crops. First, in use in China and North Africa more than 4,000 years ago, the technique has spread throughout arid regions of the world. The use of ollas (pronounced oh-yahs) can save the gardener time, energy, and water. Olla users report that their vegetable gardens produce …
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It’s no surprise that the biggest challenge to growing plants in our region is the intense heat and dryness of summer, which is a stressful environment for plants. Thankfully, there are several plants that thrive in a hot, dry climate. Here are a few of Southwest Gardening’s Noelle Johnson’s favorite plants that can take the Southwest heat. 1. Bush Lantana (Lantana …
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Pools are a great way to beat the heat! However, summer weather can do a number on your pool: haboobs deposit dirt, blustery winds deliver shed flowers and leaves, and rain washes yard debris right into your pool. Just like cleaning up after the big July 4th party, your pool needs maintenance to keep the water crystal clear. Besides regular …
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This month, we are celebrating American Wetlands Month! When you think of wetlands you might think of marshlands like the Louisiana Delta or the Florida Everglades. What might surprise you is that we do have wetlands in the Arizona desert. Some are natural and some are manmade. What is a Wetland? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or …
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LOVE is in the air! We love our earth and the special gifts it gives us, especially water. The water in Arizona is unique and should be appreciated. It got us thinking… what are some easy water-saving habits to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day? 1. Fall in love with sweeping your driveway or patio. Break-up with hosing it …
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Ahhhh, spring in the Desert Southwest… beautiful, sunny, seventy-five degree days. It’s perfect weather for gardening, but it’s also an especially good time for some irrigation system maintenance. Irrigation problems are not always apparent because of the cool nighttime temperatures, the periodic cloudy days, and even the occasional sprinkle of rain. So, don’t wait until the heat sets in. It …
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