We are very excited to share with our readers that this year, Water – Use It Wisely celebrated its 20th anniversary of helping Arizonans save water with a variety of water-saving resources. What began in 1999 as a joint effort between Mesa, Phoenix, and Scottsdale to launch a water conservation campaign is now one of the largest conservation movements of …
Read More
Spring wildflower season is one of the desert’s most colorful periods. But planning for those multicolored displays in the spring requires planning in the Fall. The prime time to plant spring flowers in the low desert areas of southern Arizona is during late September through early December. Most spring-blooming wildflowers benefit from the cold temperatures of winter and begin their …
Read More
It’s one of the great debates. Like Yankees vs. Red Sox, Democrats vs. Republicans, cat lovers vs. dog lovers, there are those who overseed their grass vs. those who don’t. Why the great debate? Well, it’s hard to say exactly how it all started, but it likely has something to do with American’s love of lush green grass and doing …
Read More
Some professional landscapers suggest homeowners design sections of their landscape as they would design each room in their home. This image helps homeowners give their yards dimension with layers of color and texture. Imagine vines as window coverings, group trees and shrubs as if they were furniture, and use groundcover plants as carpeting–a far better carpet than just having gravel. …
Read More
Why not be surrounded by color year-round? Landscape plants provide color through different seasons. Learn how to complement their function in your garden, and fill periodic color gaps, in fun and bright ways to keep your landscape vibrant throughout the year with Kirti Mathura.
Read MoreChoosing plants that are just right for your yard is the key to successful landscaping in the desert. Discover how from expert Kirti Mathura!
Read MoreWe’re kicking off the planting season with this landscape makeover workshop. You will learn how to get the most out of your landscape renovation with step-by-step guidelines, tips on hiring landscape professionals, and a special focus on rainwater harvesting retrofits.
Read MoreWhether you are new to desert landscaping, or just a plants nerd like us, you’ll find something to inspire you as you prepare for the planting season. This class will focus specifically on plant selection for desert-adapted plants. Pretty plants that won’t break my water bill? Yes, please!
Read MoreIt’s no surprise that the biggest challenge to growing plants in our region is the intense heat and dryness of summer, which is a stressful environment for plants. Thankfully, there are several plants that thrive in a hot, dry climate. Here are a few of Southwest Gardening’s Noelle Johnson’s favorite plants that can take the Southwest heat. 1. Bush Lantana (Lantana …
Read More
Feeling melancholy as you sweep up the spent yellow petals of your Palo Verdes? I understand why: when the “month of monochrome yellow” is behind us, the baking summer is upon us, and most plants (and people!) sober up to prepare. Don’t despair yet, though—late spring wildflowers still surround Saguaros wreathed like brides with white blooms. And, now is the …
Read More
Vibrant purple color, lush green foliage, and a long bloom period combine in the form of desert ruellia (Ruellia peninsularis). This Southwestern native thrives in full sun and shrugs off the intense heat in summer. The arrival of spring is greeted by a large flush of purple flowers, which contrast beautifully against the bright green leaves. Flowering will continue through …
Read More
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, a special day set aside to encourage the planting and proper care of trees. It has been 147 years since J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day. His simple idea of setting aside a special day for tree planting is now more important than ever. The 1st official Arbor Day was created by Morton and …
Read More
Signup today for monthly updates.
Complete the form to receive your free landscape watering guide.