July is typically the month of peak water demand for landscapes in Arizona. The Irrigation Association named July as Smart Irrigation Month to increase awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies for homeowners. By planting low-water-use plants, watering efficiently, and maintaining and upgrading automated irrigation systems, you can save money, save water and see better results. Here are some tips …
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Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden shows that saving water can be beautiful. It’s a common mispronunciation, but it’s also a telling Freudian slip: saying “zeroscape” instead of “xeriscape” (pronounced ZEER-escape). To xeriscape is to design a garden that conserves water through the use of drought-tolerant plants grouped according to water needs, water-collection systems, mulch, non-wasteful irrigation, and other commonsense yet once-radical gardening …
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What can 650 college students, 100 veterans, and 150 community leaders accomplish in just three hours? They can turn a vacant lot into a neighborhood educational venue. In March, former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton brought together students from across the country and around the world to Arizona State University to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI …
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In a state full of picturesque landscapes, the most lasting images are the ones that feature water. From canyon streams to shimmering lakes, morning dew on ponderosas to rain puddles in backyards, something about capturing water scenes in Arizona inspires awe. For the second annual Water – Use It Wisely Celebrate AZ Water Photo Contest, we’re once again putting the …
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April is Water Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and how to select and water landscape plants correctly. But another exciting event to celebrate in April is Arbor Day, a special day set aside the last Friday in April to help focus our attention on the importance of trees in our environment. Did …
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April is Water Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and how to use water more efficiently. But another exciting event to celebrate in April is Earth Day, a special day set aside each year on April 22nd to help focus our attention on the importance of protecting our environment. One easy way you …
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Living in the Southwest means learning to deal with periods of unusually warm temperatures and extended dry periods. Here are some tips to help you maintain your quality lifestyle and landscapes. Adjust Sprinklers, Set Timers – Water only landscaped areas (not sidewalks or streets) and be sure to repair broken sprinkler heads promptly. As Water-Saving Tip #102 says: Apply water only …
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Have you ever driven by a landscape with shrubs that have been pruned 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 of the other ill effects of excessive pruning? Plants grow faster in their attempt to re-grow …
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“It gives me a sense of accomplishment!” That’s what one Master Gardener told me after I asked. I wondered about this when I offered composting classes to the public and always observed a great turnout of people with passion and enthusiasm for the topic. There is definitely great satisfaction in taking green waste and kitchen scraps and watching the magical process …
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Winter weather watchers are seeing all kinds of interesting conditions across the country right now, including a lot of snow in the Midwest and Northeast. But here in the desert Southwest, the forecast has been dry and parched! And yet, January is typically part of our winter rainy season with an average of one inch of rain throughout the month. …
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We live in a very special place where people enjoy the outdoors nearly year-round. The plants that thrive in this unique climate are the key that unlocks the door to outdoor living. Creating an ideal outdoor space enhances not only your life, but also the beauty of your community and, ultimately, the sustainability of our world. With up to 70% of …
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Local gardens will be on display this weekend at Tour de Birds 2013. This self-guided tour of birds and gardens will feature nine habitats located around the East Valley. The tour will take place on Nov. 9th from 9am to 4pm and will feature a variety of native plants to suit all gardens. Planting native plants can provide many other …
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