News & Events

News & Events

CONNECT WITH WILDLIFE IN YOUR YARD AND IN LEGO® FORM AT THE PHOENIX ZOO

December 15, 2016

Looking to attract native wildlife to your yard? It can be as simple as planting the right plants in the right places. The City of Glendale has just the book you need to get started. Welcome Wildlife to your Garden is a free publication that makes it both easy and fun to bring wildlife to your yard. Download a copy …

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CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT TRES RIOS WETLANDS

December 1, 2016

The Tres Rios Wetlands is a constructed wetland system located in southwest Phoenix that enhances the plant and wildlife that depend on the Salt and Gila Rivers. The water that supports the wetlands is reclaimed wastewater that has been treated to drinking water quality. The Wetlands consist of 480 acres located along a 7-mile-long section. Why have a wetland in …

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PLANTING PROPERLY TO KEEP YOUR LANDSCAPE GROWING STRONG | PART 8 of 10

November 29, 2016

The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape has finally been installed for our winner, Lisa O. at her Avondale home! While our past videos featured irrigation systems, planter boxes, and patio pavers, we all know it’s THE PLANTS that are the most important component of a fabulous Xeriscape landscape. In episode 8 of our 10-part series, Cathy Rymer from City …

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HOW TO INSTALL YOUR XERISCAPE LANDSCAPE | PART 7 OF 10

November 22, 2016

We’re celebrating the long-awaited-for GROUNDBREAKING of the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape. Our winner, Lisa O., and her family have been patiently awaiting this day! The BIG lesson here? The steps leading up to the landscape install does take time and some good planning, especially if you want successful results. As you will notice on the video, having a …

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DESERT LANDSCAPING: TEN TIPS FOR WINTER WATERING

November 18, 2016

Here’s one of the easiest ways you can save money and water: learn how to manage your irrigation controller. AMWUA cities’ conservation professionals continue to report that many homeowners, businesses, and HOAs irrigate their landscapes throughout the winter as if it were still 110 degrees outside. It’s such a waste because most desert-adapted plants can make it through the winter …

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Rio-Verde-Community-Center-Xeriscape

PLANT OF THE MONTH – EVERGREEN ELM

November 15, 2016

Ulmus parvifolia, better known as evergreen elm or Chinese evergreen elm, is best characterized by its long, arching branches which provide dense summer shade. This tree makes a beautiful and functional addition to parks, school grounds and other open areas. Their large size and extensive root systems make them less suitable for small residential landscapes. The evergreen elm is a …

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S BEYOND THE MIRAGE?

November 7, 2016

Want some objective, in-depth information about the water situation in Arizona and the Southwest? How about getting involved in raising awareness of what needs to be done to avert a water crisis? We have the water we need now, but what about the future? Beyond the Mirage is an award-winning multi-pronged project intended to help citizens join the important conversations taking …

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HOW TO USE HARDSCAPE TO CONSERVE WATER IN YOUR LANDSCAPE | PART 6 OF 10

October 31, 2016

The Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab landscape is getting closer to groundbreaking. You might remember that Lisa (our backyard rehab winner) visited both a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden and a local nursery to look at plant materials. However, another important shopping trip to take before you break ground is to a landscape materials supplier… you know… rock yards and paver companies …

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GARDENING THE GREEN WAY

October 25, 2016

Gardening can be a great way to relieve stress, grow your own food and even save some money on monthly groceries. So once you’ve decided to start growing your own garden, take a second to assess what you will need to start your project. Many times you’ll find out that growing a garden requires many materials that may actually have …

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HOW TO DESIGN YOUR YARD FOR YEAR-ROUND BEAUTY | Part 5 of 10

October 16, 2016

We love do it yourself (DIY) as much as you, but when it comes to designing an earth-friendly, water-saving Xeriscape landscape, it’s okay to lean on a professional. Sure, hiring a pro might sound like a sit-back-and-relax kind of process, but a pro can offer you much more than peace of mind. Landscape professionals, like the ALCA-Certified ones we provided …

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CELEBRATE AZ WATER: CONSERVATION ON THE AMAZING COLORADO RIVER

October 11, 2016

Video: Involving Young People in Colorado River Conservation This blog originally appeared on the Arizona Highways Web site on May 17, 2016. It is being reprinted with permission. An advocacy group hopes its new video, filmed on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, will help highlight the importance of getting young people involved in river ecology and conservation. What …

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HOW TO WATER YOUR LANDSCAPE EFFICIENTLY | PART 4 OF 10

October 3, 2016

The best time to think about how you’ll water your landscape is actually before you install it. That’s because a healthy and efficient landscape plan considers how much water your plants need and how best to get that water to the root systems of your plants. This week’s video brings Lisa Osborne, the Drab to Fab Backyard Rehab Contest winner, …

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