Desert Senna (Senna covesii) is a wonderful addition to a pollinator-friendly yard. This plant yields an abundance of flowers and seeds, which attract birds, bees and butterflies. A desert dweller, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water. You may hear Desert Senna before you see it because the seeds rattle inside the pods, especially when the wind blows …
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WaterSense® Certified Homes Did you know that some newly built homes use significantly less water than others? One way homebuilders can help conserve Arizona’s water supplies is by constructing homes that earn a WaterSense® certification. Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WaterSense-certified homes are independently inspected and use at least 30% less water than typical new homes—without sacrificing …
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Hey friends! Wayne Drop here – your favorite water-saving hero with some exciting news. This spring, I got to be the star of the 2026 “Save Water with Wayne Drop” Sticker Contest, and let me tell you… I was totally blown away by the amazing designs from fourth graders all across Arizona! A …
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The Lower Salt River has long been one of Arizona’s most visited desert waterways. Here, cool flowing water cuts through the Sonoran landscape and creates a seasonal gathering place for recreation, wildlife, and community. As tubing season approaches each year, increased foot traffic along the riverbanks brings both opportunity and impact. Therefore, early-season stewardship has become an important part of …
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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 …
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Free Water-Saving Tools Delivered to Your Door Looking for a way to level up your water conservation game this summer? Thanks to a partnership between Salt River Project (SRP) and Water – Use It Wisely, you can get a free, customizable kit of water-saving items delivered right to your door. Even better? These simple upgrades can help you save up …
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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 …
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$$ Grass Removals = Big Water Savings $$ In the desert Southwest, grass is one of the thirstiest landscape choices you can make. That’s why more Mesa residents, businesses, and HOAs are choosing to replace turfgrass with water-smart desert landscapes – and the results are adding up in a big way. In 2025 alone, Mesa’s grass-to-xeriscape incentive programs helped remove …
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Celebrate Water Awareness Month April is Arizona Water Awareness Month. It is a time to celebrate and show your appreciation for Arizona’s most precious resource – Water! Whether you are just starting your water conservation journey or are already an expert water saver, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Water Awareness Month. For example, here are some of our …
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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? …
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Hey there, water-saving superstars! It’s me, Wayne Drop, your friendly neighborhood water droplet, with some big news and a call for help. Water – Use It Wisely is excited to announce the return of the ‘Save Water with Wayne Drop’ Sticker Contest, and we are looking for creative artists to help design an official set of Water – Use …
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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 …
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