Archive for “Xeriscape Landscaping” Category

News & Events

NEW HUMMINGBIRD HABITAT AT CHANDLER XERISCAPE GARDEN

August 24, 2015

Xeriscape (zer-i-scape) is a type of landscaping which uses water-wise plants and can even include small water features, patios, walkways, limited turf areas and effective mulches combined into an eye-appealing environment. Xeriscape should not look like a sea of gravel or barren rocks and cactus. Xeric gardens can be full of beautiful green plants that are water-efficient and able to …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH: AGAVE

August 11, 2015

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, …

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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 …

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GARDENS: WHY YOUR CITY WANTS TO INSPIRE YOU

June 22, 2015

Etched on the wall at the entrance of the City of Scottsdale’s Xeriscape Garden is this: “Demonstrating the Beauty of Saving Water.” That is a lovely explanation of why some cities plant and nurture free public demonstration gardens. These gardens are thriving examples of how homeowners, businesses, and HOAs can create lush and colorful gardens and landscapes using very little …

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ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS IN THE DESIGN, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, AND MANAGEMENT OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS!

April 6, 2015

Sign up for the 2015 Advanced Smartscape: Irrigation and receive expert instruction on efficient landscape water Management. The Advanced Smartscape Irrigation course builds upon the basic Smartscape course by offering in-depth technical training for landscape professionals on the design, installation, maintenance, and management of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems in the Sonoran Desert. The course stresses irrigation efficiency and wise …

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SIX REASONS TO VISIT THE GLENDALE XERISCAPE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN THIS SPRING!

March 20, 2015

Spring is here, and the wildflowers are already blooming! What better way to usher in a new season than to wander through nature and take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy it, especially with a visit to the Glendale Xeriscape (Low-Water-Use) Demonstration Garden! 1) Bountiful Blooms – See a spectrum of color among the flowers and …

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Cutting the Curb for Beneficial Use of Stormwater

November 6, 2014

On November 1, the morning was crisp and the volunteers were full of energy. Over 40 community members arrived at 7:30 a.m. to learn about green infrastructure and a relatively new idea called low impact development. By lunchtime a 20-foot wide and 200-foot long area in front of Mesa Urban Garden and neighboring restaurant, República Empanada, had over fifty native …

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Create a Water-Wise Herb Container Garden

October 21, 2014

Do you enjoy using fresh herbs when you cook? If so, you probably know how expensive they can be. What if fresh herbs were as close as your garden? Herbs are easy to grow and aren’t fussy. You may be surprised to find that herbs make great container plants and are a great alternative to flowering annuals. So, why should …

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Looking for Color, Shade and Easy Maintenance? Convert from Grass to Xeriscape!

August 7, 2014

Many valley cities are offering you cash! Cash for your grass that is! The purpose of a grass-to-Xeriscape program is to help customers reduce their landscape water use by half or more by replacing their water-thirsty lawns with landscape plants more suitable for our Sonoran Desert climate. What does Xeriscape mean? Xeriscape (zeer-a-scape) is a term that defines a creative approach to landscaping that …

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SHADE Conference, Perfect for Summer

July 31, 2014

Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education Summertime in the desert gets tough without a little shade, or in this case, SHADE, the Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education. Presented by the Arizona Nursery Association (ANA), this award-winning one-day educational seminar is designed for landscape architects, designers, arborists, small business owners, property managers, nursery employees and other green industry professionals. This …

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BEAT THE HEAT AND LEARN HOW TO SAVE YOUR CLIENTS WATER, MONEY, AND TIME!

July 18, 2014

Join the next session of Smartscape classes for landscape professionals and receive expert instruction on how to better serve your clients. The Smartscape program is a comprehensive, research‐based training program that instructs landscape professionals in the fundamentals of design, installation, irrigation, and maintenance of low‐water‐use landscapes. The need for efficient water use, the regulatory environment, methods of water conservation in …

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Lawn & Order

July 10, 2014

Many homeowners prefer a lawn close to the house that may provide a recreational or play area for children or pets, a relaxing place for lawn chairs and family gatherings and to create a cooling effect. Lawns can be functional and their root mass provides erosion control and helps to filter, capture and break down pollutants. In fact, a practical …

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