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 …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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? …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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 …
Read More
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 …
Read More
Did you know that the average household loses more than 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks? Water leaks not only increase your monthly bills but also contribute to unnecessary water waste. As responsible homeowners in Arizona, it’s crucial to be proactive in conserving water and reducing our environmental impact. We teamed up with our partners in Chandler to …
Read More
Stop wasting time/money by over-pruning your shrubs! Have you ever driven by a landscape with shrubs that have been pruned or sheared into rounded shapes? You may be surprised to find out that maintaining shrubs this way is often not only unnecessary but uses more water than shrubs pruned infrequently. What are some ill effects of excessive …
Read More
Seeds of Spring are Sown in the Fall Why Fall? It might feel strange to talk about wildflowers in the fall, after all, they don’t burst into color until February through April. But here in the Sonoran Desert, fall is the season to sow. Wildflowers are natural drought evaders. Their seeds lie dormant through our hot, dry summers until triggered …
Read More
Agaves are impressive leaf succulents with a wide range of color, texture and size to their rosettes. There are approximately 200 species found throughout the southwest, Mexico, and Central America. The bold rosettes are dramatic accents for the garden that contrast well with the fine texture of desert trees and shrubs. Agaves are some of the most useful desert plants, …
Read More
Living in the Sonoran Desert means learning how to do more with less – especially when it comes to water. Among the most impactful of these solutions are green stormwater infrastructure and passive rainwater harvesting. From school campuses in the heart of the city to suburban homes in desert foothills, Arizonans can make every drop count. What is Green Stormwater …
Read More
Signup today for monthly updates.
Complete the form to receive your free landscape watering guide.