Archive for “Outdoors” Category

News & Events

CELEBRATE AZ WATER: WADING IN THE BLACK RIVER

January 26, 2016

The Black River is located within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, which runs along the Mogollon Rim and the White Mountains in east-central Arizona. It flows southwest through the White Mountains and forms the border between the Fort Apache Indian Reservation to the north, and the San Carlos Indian Reservation to the south. Upper reaches of the river, closer to the …

Read More

TURN OFF THOSE TIMERS — BUT FOR HOW LONG?

January 18, 2016

With the super El Niño upon us, it begs the question—do I really need to be watering my landscape plants right now? Follow along by watching this video from Gilbert Digital and Gilbert Water Conservation about how to easily turn off your irrigation timer (also called an irrigation controller) before expected winter rains without disturbing your seasonal irrigation programs. How long …

Read More
Gilbert-Digital-Landscape-Timer-Guide

RAINWATER HARVESTING: ANYONE CAN DO IT

January 7, 2016

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘water harvesting?’ Do you imagine a giant cistern collecting water? Can you envision a complicated system of pipes leading from your roof to your outdoor landscape? If so, you are completely right! What you may not realize is that there are some very simple ways that you can utilize rainwater for your …

Read More
Rain Off Roof

CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT THE MOGOLLON RIM

December 14, 2015

The Mogollon Rim (pronounced “muggy-own”) is an extensive rocky cliff that runs 200 miles diagonally across Arizona. The powerful forces of erosion and faulting over thousands of years shape and mold this sheer cliff that represents the Southern portion of the Colorado Plateau. The high elevation provides a fantastic opportunity for breath-taking views over hundreds of miles to the east, …

Read More

PLANT OF THE MONTH: MUHLENBERGIA

November 13, 2015

These spectacular, non-invasive, ornamental clumping grasses are versatile and require very little maintenance. Muhlenbergias are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico at elevations of 2500 to 7000 feet. With over 125 species, this large and diverse group can be used as a vertical specimen or accent, a softening feature around boulders and contrasting dessert plants, or a …

Read More

WHEN THE SKY OPENS UP, IT’S TIME TO COLLECT

October 9, 2015

We all marvel at the beauty of a big desert storm and what it does for our plants. It’s like our landscapes are a little more alive after drinking a big gulp of rain. The clean, salt-free properties of rainwater are extremely beneficial for desert plants, and you can make sure your landscapes are quenched by this natural source even …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT FOSSIL CREEK

October 5, 2015

Chelsey F. shared this photo overlooking a popular swimming hole on Fossil Creek. Fossil Creek is a popular destination for both tourists and locals due to its lush surroundings, which span over 12,000 acres of wilderness, supporting over 30 types of trees and over 100 species of birds. Fossil Creek is located within the Verde River Watershed, with headwaters of the …

Read More

CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT SAGUARO LAKE

September 22, 2015

Saguaro Lake was created on the Salt River by the completion of the Stewart Mountain Dam in 1930. The dam, managed by the Salt River Project, is 212 feet high and 583 feet long, and has a 13,000-kilowatt hydroelectric generator. It was the last dam to be built on the Salt River. Named for the majestic Saguaro Cactus and situated about …

Read More

PLANT OF THE MONTH: FAIRY DUSTER

September 17, 2015

The name calliandra refers to the beautiful stamens which make the tufted or ball-like flowers on these loosely branched shrubs. Their colors, ranging from pale pink through deep red, are indeed beautiful. These small to medium sized shrubs produce their flowers against a backdrop of finely divided, lacy-looking foliage. Calliandras can be used in a wide variety of landscape situations. Fairy dusters …

Read More

4 EASY WAYS TO ATTRACT WILDLIFE TO YOUR YARD

September 11, 2015

The award-winning Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown Street, began in June of 1990. Since that time, the garden has grown to nearly four acres in size with more than 400 species of plants. But, did you know that the garden is also certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation for providing …

Read More

LAWN CARE TIPS ON A WATER BUDGET

August 18, 2015

You know by now that up to 70% of your water use is outdoors. Strict water conditions are tough on everyone, especially our lawns. Although we do our best to be responsible and conservation-minded when it comes to lawn care, there are some measures you may not know about to keep your lawn healthy when water shortages hit. Raise the mower blades. Raise …

Read More

PLANT OF THE MONTH: DESERT WILLOW – CHILOPSIS LINEARIS

July 20, 2015

Desert willow is a fast-growing tree reaching up to 30 feet with spectacular trumpet-shaped flowers and bright green, willow-like foliage. Chilopsis linearis is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and is commonly seen in dry washes from 1,500 to 5,000 feet. The fragrant orchid-like flowers, in varying colors, attract hummingbirds. Desert willow blooms in clusters from May …

Read More