With more and more stories coming out in recent years about the importance of making eco-friendly changes to our homes, it’s a good idea to look for ways to reduce and conserve that will be sustainable in the long term. Saving water is a great example. This is especially true for homes in the Southwest, particularly in states like Arizona, …
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Water harvesting is the capture and storage of rainfall to irrigate plants or to supply people and animals. It is one of the oldest known gardening methods. Water harvesting dates back to the beginning of agriculture. In the desert southwest, Tohono O’odham, and Hopi tribes still harvest rainwater after the onset of summer and winter rain. Did you ever play in rainwater as a child, building earth dikes and letting them go? …
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They’ve been hard to miss … stories about drought, Colorado River water shortages, and water restrictions in California and other surrounding states. Through actively managed water supplies and the development of extensive reservoirs and underground storage, Arizona has planned for moments like these (see 5 Things You Need To Know Right Now About Arizona’s Drought). But, that doesn’t mean that …
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The vibrant color of bougainvillea adds a welcome splash of color to southwestern landscapes, and despite their lush green appearance, they thrive in hot, dry climates with little fuss. There are several different species of bougainvillea with Bougainvillea glabra, B. peruviana, and B. spectabilis being the most common. Native to South America, this drought-tolerant plant comes available as shrubs, vines, as well as …
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When it comes to desert landscaping you often hear the terms “Xeriscape” and “zeroscape” used interchangeably, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between the two? Xeriscape and zeroscape are definitely not the same. Let’s explain: Xeriscape comes from the Greek word “xeric” meaning dry or arid. Zeroscape is basically a mispronunciation of Xeriscape. The correct way to …
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The Saguaro cactus, Carnegiea gigantea, is the most famous and characteristic plant of the Sonoran desert. This gigantic, tree-like cactus is an Arizona icon! Description The main trunk of a mature Saguaro may be 40 feet high and 2 feet in diameter. A woody inner skeleton provides the strength to support ten arms or more. Although the age of a Saguaro …
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Investing in a tree adds shade to your yard, value to your home, and is a gift to your city. The Cool Urban Space Project by the City of Phoenix, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University showed that a goal of 25 percent canopy could reduce near-ground temperatures in the city by 4.3 degrees. Trees also reduce air pollution, storm runoff, and …
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All about Arbor Day April 27 is designated as National Arbor Day, a holiday set aside to celebrate the significant role trees play in our lives and our environment. It is also a day to promote the planting and care of trees. The founder, J. Sterling Morton, had the idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting. As …
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Visiting a xeriscape demonstration garden, which showcases low-water-use plants, is an excellent way to get new and innovative ideas for your home landscape. You won’t have to travel far, as a number of the Water – Use It Wisely partners feature unique demonstration gardens right in your own community. Plan your visit today to one of the many demonstration gardens throughout …
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Garden of the Bs: Arizona’s oldest high school, Mesa High, once offered a thriving agricultural education program to its students that included use of a field on campus for growing crops and grazing animals. But since the retirement of the program’s last teacher over 25 years ago, that one acre lot has been ignored, grew weeds, collected wind-blown trash, suffered …
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Add Winter Interest to Southwest Gardens with Euphorbias The unique shapes and colors of euphorbias add a touch of drama to drought-tolerant landscapes. There are hundreds of species of this genus of plants, most that resemble something out of a Dr. Seuss book. These are succulents that do well with little attention and do well when planted in the ground …
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It seems like the perfect solution. Replace thirsty lawns with something that plays the part yet is perfectly (un)dead and therefore requires no water, no maintenance, and no sweat. But the story of artificial turf is not as simple as it sounds, and most of that has to do with the “no sweat” part of it. Let me explain. We …
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