The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape has finally been installed for our winner, Lisa O. at her Avondale home! While our past videos featured irrigation systems, planter boxes, and patio pavers, we all know it’s THE PLANTS that are the most important component of a fabulous Xeriscape landscape. In episode 8 of our 10-part series, Cathy Rymer from City …
Read More
We’re celebrating the long-awaited-for GROUNDBREAKING of the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape. Our winner, Lisa O., and her family have been patiently awaiting this day! The BIG lesson here? The steps leading up to the landscape install does take time and some good planning, especially if you want successful results. As you will notice on the video, having a …
Read More
Here’s one of the easiest ways you can save money and water: learn how to manage your irrigation controller. AMWUA cities’ conservation professionals continue to report that many homeowners, businesses, and HOAs irrigate their landscapes throughout the winter as if it were still 110 degrees outside. It’s such a waste because most desert-adapted plants can make it through the winter …
Read More
Ulmus parvifolia, better known as evergreen elm or Chinese evergreen elm, is best characterized by its long, arching branches which provide dense summer shade. This tree makes a beautiful and functional addition to parks, school grounds and other open areas. Their large size and extensive root systems make them less suitable for small residential landscapes. The evergreen elm is a …
Read More
The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape is getting closer to groundbreaking. You might remember that Lisa (our backyard rehab winner) visited both a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and a local nursery to look at plant materials. However, another important shopping trip to take before you break ground is to a landscape materials supplier… you know… rock yards and paver companies …
Read More
Gardening can be a great way to relieve stress, grow your own food and even save some money on monthly groceries. So once you’ve decided to start growing your own garden, take a second to assess what you will need to start your project. Many times you’ll find out that growing a garden requires many materials that may actually have …
Read More
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. …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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. …
Read More
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 …
Read More
Envision your dream landscape. Does it have a water-harvesting rain garden, rockwork and basins overflowing with flowering native plants? How about a greywater system feeding a fig tree or a humming pollinator garden? Once you’ve got the image—how do you bring it to life? Join Watershed Management Group (WMG) for the coolest educational series in Central Arizona to learn how …
Read More
Signup today for monthly updates.
Complete the form to receive your free landscape watering guide.