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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Submit Your Shots today! A WORLD OF WATER The WRRC Annual Photo Contest is back! This is your chance to capture A World of Water, which is the 2025 contest theme. Use your creativity and technical ability to express the many ways water transforms our world and how humanity transforms water. From ANY LOCATION, we invite you to capture how water …
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Plant once, enjoy for years! This desert-hardy bulb thrives in Xeriscapes! It may seem rather strange to think of landscapes decorated with lilies in fall, but summer and fall rain bring on the lovely blooms of rain lilies (Zephyranthes species). Rain or ‘zephyr’ lilies add beauty to gardens throughout the Southern half of the U.S., including the Southwest. While their …
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In Arizona, water conservation is a winning message. As Arizona residents know well, water conservation is essential to life in our state. Since 1999, Water – Use It Wisely has proudly promoted this message, encouraging residents to save water through simple, everyday actions. Our campaign has remained committed to sharing water-saving tips, educational tools, and community resources for more than …
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On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Mayor Mark Freeman joined Wyland Foundation President and CEO Steve Creech at Kerr Center for Agriscience. They gathered to honor Mesa’s big win in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Mesa earned first place in the 300,000–599,999 population category. It was one of five cities nationwide recognized. This recognition was for achieving the highest …
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