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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This spring, learn how beautiful water conservation can be. Spring shows up in all the little ways; brighter mornings, blooming shrubs, and that unmistakable urge to finally tackle the yard. Before you know it, the gloves are on, the shovel’s out, and your landscape is ready for a seasonal glow-up. Water – Plant It Wisely is your handy resource to …
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This month’s Plant of the Month blog spotlights another standout selection from the newly revised Cool Plants for Hot Gardens by Greg Starr — a must-have guide for any desert gardener! With 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? Greg’s playful deep dives into the etymology (the origin of …
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It’s the Water-Saving Event of the Year! Join us in-person on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 8 a.m. – noon at PERA Training and Conference Center in Tempe for the water-saving event of the year! The annual SRP Water Conservation Expo brings together our community to raise awareness of water in the Valley and discover ways to conserve at home. …
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Brittlebrush, Encelia farinosa AT-A-GLANCE Attracts bees, butterflies. Size (HxW) 3-4 feet x 3-6 feet Flower Color Yellow Flower Season Late fall to early summer Exposure Full sun, reflected heat Water Drought tolerant to low Growth Rate Fast Pruning Minimal, only to remove frozen growth Hardiness Mid-20’s F, Zones 9b-11 Etymology Asa Gray chose the Latin farin- to describe the white …
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As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the blog posts that inspired readers to care for their landscapes, conserve water, and support the desert environment. From expert tips on pruning and xeriscape conversions to guides on pollinators, water use, and desert-friendly plants, these articles provided practical advice, innovative ideas, and eye-opening insights. 1. Plant of the Month: Guayacán …
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Did you know that the average household loses more than 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks? Water leaks not only increase your monthly bills but also contribute to unnecessary water waste. As responsible homeowners in Arizona, it’s crucial to be proactive in conserving water and reducing our environmental impact. We teamed up with our partners in Chandler to …
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Hi there, friends! It’s me, Wayne Drop, your favorite water-saving droplet! The holiday season is here, and while we’re busy decking the halls, cooking up feasts, wrapping gifts, and gathering with loved ones, it’s also the perfect time to sprinkle in some water-saving cheer. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just enjoy the magic of winter, these 12 water-saving …
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Euphorbia tirucallii ‘Sticks on Fire’ FIRESTICKS, RED PENCIL TREE Bloom Period: None of note Mature Height x Spread: 4-8 x 3-5 ft (1.2-2.4 m x .91-1.5 m) Exposure: Full sun Cold tolerance: 30° F (-1° C) Origin: Africa This colorful succulent has vibrant orange-red colored stems that are green at the base. In addition to its color, its thin stems …
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Stop wasting time/money by over-pruning your shrubs! Have you ever driven by a landscape with shrubs that have been pruned or sheared 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 ill effects of excessive …
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