Archive for “Outdoors” Category

News & Events

Is 24,000 gallons of water per month too much for a family of three?

August 12, 2019

When in doubt, ask. Here are an interesting question and answer about home water use that I think all homeowners can take advantage of. You asked … I have a concern about high water usage. We have lots of mature landscaping, but artificial turf (no grass), a fairly large pool, hot tub, three full baths, and a 1/2 bath. There …

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Be Water-wise With Your Pool This Summer

July 23, 2019

Summer temperatures have arrived, meaning it is time to be cool in the pool. Pools are one of the greatest outdoor water users. So before you dive in, it’s important to ensure your pool is running as efficiently as possible. We can help you be water-wise with your pool this summer. Here are a few simple ways you can conserve …

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Plant of the Month: 5 Plants That Can Take the Southwest Heat

July 16, 2019

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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Hydrate Your Yard with Rainwater, Greywater, and Composting!

June 28, 2019

Envision your dream landscape. Does it have a rainwater-harvesting garden, rockwork, and basins overflowing with flowering native plants? How about a greywater system watering a fig tree or a buzzing pollinator garden? Once you’ve got the image, how would you bring it to life? Watershed Management Group (WMG) can help! Water harvesting rain gardens are basins that collect water and …

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Celebrate AZ Water: Outdoor Recreation Along Arizona’s Waterways is a $13.5 Billion Industry

June 25, 2019

According to a new study, outdoor recreation along Arizona’s waterways is a $13.5 billion industry, ranking higher than golf and mining. Arizona’s waterways, enjoyed by more than 1.5 million residents each year, contribute $13.5 billion to the state’s economy and support 114,000 jobs, according to a new report released by Audubon Arizona. The study was completed with guidance from business, …

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Conserving Water In Your Garden — 13 Essential Tips

June 4, 2019

A healthy, thriving garden needs water, there’s no way around that. However, many people waste huge amounts of water, and it’s possible to make a lot less of it go a lot further. Here are our top 13 essential tips for conserving water in your garden. Why bother saving water? Before we look at how to save water, let’s just …

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Arbor Day is Friday!

April 23, 2019

Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, a special day set aside to encourage the planting and proper care of trees.  It has been 147 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day. His simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever. The 1st official Arbor Day was created by Morton and …

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Can You Over-Water Your Plants in the Desert? We Asked a Local Plant Expert!

April 9, 2019

As most would expect, water is considered a precious resource in the desert. But, did you know that there are more plant problems caused due to over-watering then under-watering? Believe it or not, it is true. Most people are surprised to hear that up to 70 percent of residential water usage goes to watering trees and plants in your landscape. …

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BE A WATER DETECTIVE BY FINDING AND FIXING LEAKS AND SAVE THOUSANDS OF GALLONS EACH YEAR

March 19, 2019

Minor leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes. To the average homeowner, that means as many as 10,000 gallons wasted each year – enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. That is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program promotes Fix a Leak Week the third week of March each …

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Don’t Just Stand There … Plant Something!

March 12, 2019

Want to improve your quality of life? Plant Something. Seriously. How is a plant or tree possibly going to make life better, you ask? By lowering your heart rate, providing beauty and shade, improving your property value, lowering your energy costs, cleaning the air and water, and creating a more inviting yard and community…….whew…….that’s a lot for a landscape to …

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Water Gives … Life! Join the 2019 Run for World Water

February 26, 2019

Give water, and life changes immediately. Women no longer lose time fetching water or getting sick with waterborne illnesses, and children don’t miss school. Businesses grow and people can dream for the future. Water gives Health. Time. Education. It gives joy, dreams, and togetherness. It gives prosperity and a future. Join the Arizona committee of Water For People to give …

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Celebrate AZ Water: Tempe Town Lake – Making Waves in the Desert

February 19, 2019

Tempe Town Lake is Arizona’s second-most visited public attraction. More than 2.4 million people spend time at Town Lake each year. The more than 2-mile long lake was created by damming a portion of the dry Salt River and adding water. Today, the lake continues to act like a river to convey rainwater and snow run-off by lowering the dam …

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