Archive for “Xeriscape Landscaping” Category

News & Events

TEN STEPS TO A BACKYARD REHAB: CURB YOUR YARD’S DRINKING PROBLEM

March 2, 2017

Does your yard have a drinking problem? Always thirsty for that next watering? Overconsumption can be a serious problem for many yards – it either needs too much water, or maybe you’re giving it more water than it needs. Help your landscape curb its water habit and regain its vibrant, healthy life with this ten-step backyard rehab. Watch our ten tips …

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DESERT PLANTS ARE GREAT AT MULTI-TASKING

February 26, 2017

Plants provide many functions for the landscape February is a great time to plant in the low desert as temperatures are still cool and roots can get established before the heat sets in. Perhaps you are looking to add or replace a few plants to your landscape, create a new focal point with sculptural cacti or accent plants, or you …

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Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert

PLANT OF THE MONTH – EREMOPHILA

February 13, 2017

Occasionally in the plant world, a new introduction comes along that gets everyone excited. In this case, not one, but three different, drought-tolerant shrubs have recently become quite popular with homeowners and landscape professionals. All of these shrubs belong to the Eremophila family and the reasons for their popularity range from the fact that they each have attractive, evergreen foliage, …

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DESERT EDIBLES: CITIES OFFER FULL MENU OF LANDSCAPE AND GARDENING CLASSES

February 7, 2017

The Sonoran Desert is an incomparable place to hike, bike, run, horseback ride and bird watch. When it comes to foraging for food, it’s not so grand. Even those knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topic admit that sifting and straining food from desert flora is labor intensive. It is, however, a labor of love for people who crave the tastes …

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THE DRAB TO FAB LANDSCAPE IS DONE, OR IS IT? | PART 10 OF 10

January 26, 2017

This past November, after months of planning and hard work, the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab Xeriscape landscape install was finally completed! By the second weekend in December, our winner, Lisa O., was celebrating with friends and family with a backyard barbecue at her Avondale home! And that, my friends, is what having a beautiful and functional backyard landscape is …

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HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LANDSCAPE TO KEEP IT GROWING STRONG | PART 9 OF 10

January 4, 2017

The transformation from Drab to Fab may have only taken weeks, but with proper care of the new landscape plants, the fab can be everlasting. Join winner Lisa O. as she learns how to care for her brand new plants as they grow and evolve in her landscape. In episode 9 of our 10-part series, Jody Latimer, Environmental Resource Supervisor …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH – IRONWOOD (Olneya tesota)

December 22, 2016

Description  As the common name suggests, Ironwood has hard, heavy wood. One cubic foot of the wood, valued for carving and firewood, weighs 66 pounds. Ironwood’s bark is light gray when young, turning darker with maturity. The gray-green foliage is evergreen except in extreme cold. The 2-inch-long, 1-inch-wide leaves are divided into oval leaflets to ½ inch long. Pairs of …

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PLANTING PROPERLY TO KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE GROWING STRONG | PART 8 of 10

November 29, 2016

The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape has finally been installed for our winner, Lisa O. at her Avondale home! While our past videos featured irrigation systems, planter boxes, and patio pavers, we all know it’s THE PLANTS that are the most important component of a fabulous Xeriscape landscape. In episode 8 of our 10-part series, Cathy Rymer from City …

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HOW TO INSTALL YOUR XERISCAPE LANDSCAPE | PART 7 OF 10

November 22, 2016

We’re celebrating the long-awaited-for GROUNDBREAKING of the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape. Our winner, Lisa O., and her family have been patiently awaiting this day! The BIG lesson here? The steps leading up to the landscape install does take time and some good planning, especially if you want successful results. As you will notice on the video, having a …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH – EVERGREEN ELM

November 15, 2016

Ulmus parvifolia, better known as evergreen elm or Chinese evergreen elm, is best characterized by its long, arching branches which provide dense summer shade. This tree makes a beautiful and functional addition to parks, school grounds and other open areas. Their large size and extensive root systems make them less suitable for small residential landscapes. The evergreen elm is a …

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HOW TO USE HARDSCAPE TO CONSERVE WATER IN YOUR LANDSCAPE | PART 6 OF 10

October 31, 2016

The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape is getting closer to groundbreaking. You might remember that Lisa (our backyard rehab winner) visited both a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and a local nursery to look at plant materials. However, another important shopping trip to take before you break ground is to a landscape materials supplier… you know… rock yards and paver companies …

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HOW TO DESIGN YOUR YARD FOR YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY | Part 5 of 10

October 16, 2016

We love do it yourself (DIY) as much as you, but when it comes to designing an earth-friendly, water-saving Xeriscape landscape, it’s okay to lean on a professional. Sure, hiring a pro might sound like a sit-back-and-relax kind of process, but a pro can offer you much more than peace of mind. Landscape professionals, like the ALCA-Certified ones we provided …

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