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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El Niño is often portrayed as a reliable weather pattern that brings wetter winters to the Southwest. While that has frequently been true in the past, it isn’t guaranteed. Every El Niño develops under different conditions, and this year’s event highlights just how complex these climate patterns can be. Several oceanic and atmospheric systems are interacting at the same time. …
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Saving Thousands of Gallons-One Pool at a Time Traditional swimming pool draining wastes thousands of gallons of clean water. It can also put your pool at risk for cracks and leaks. Furthermore, pool water recycling is a smart alternative that helps conserve water and maintain your pool’s integrity. Mobile reverse osmosis offers a smarter, sustainable solution. It recycles your pool …
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Do your plants really need water today? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. For many Arizona homeowners, landscape watering can feel like a guessing game. We inherit irrigation schedules from the previous homeowner. We water because it’s Tuesday. We water because it’s hot outside. Sometimes we water because we haven’t thought about it in a while and suddenly feel …
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The Lower Salt River has long been one of Arizona’s most visited desert waterways. Here, cool flowing water cuts through the Sonoran landscape and creates a seasonal gathering place for recreation, wildlife, and community. As tubing season approaches each year, increased foot traffic along the riverbanks brings both opportunity and impact. Therefore, early-season stewardship has become an important part of …
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Chihuahuan-Sage, Leucophyllum laevigatum is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with a spiky, but loose form. The periodic masses of lavender flowers are not only fragrant but will attract hummingbirds, too. Description Medium green leaves are somewhat sparsely arranged, yet they cling tightly along the erect to spreading branches of Chihuahuan-sage. Individual leaves measure ½ inch long and ¼ inch wide at …
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Featured Plant of the Month – Palo Blanco When searching for plants that work well in an arid climate, it can sometimes be hard to find a hardy plant that has the right “feel.” Our desert plants can be full of stout, sharp edges and lines, and some designers or landscapers have a hard time finding ways to soften the …
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This month’s Plant of the Month blog spotlights another standout selection from his latest book — Cool Cacti and Succulents for Hot Gardens by Greg Starr — a must-have guide for any desert gardener! With over 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? …
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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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Brittlebrush, Encelia farinosa AT-A-GLANCE Attracts bees, butterflies. Size (HxW) 3-4 feet x 3-6 feet Flower Color Yellow Flower Season Late fall to early summer Exposure Full sun, reflected heat Water Drought tolerant to low Growth Rate Fast Pruning Minimal, only to remove frozen growth Hardiness Mid-20’s F, Zones 9b-11 Etymology Asa Gray chose the Latin farin- to describe the white …
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