Archive for “Xeriscape Landscaping” Tag

Can You Over-Water Your Plants in the Desert? We Asked a Local Plant Expert!

April 9, 2019

As most would expect, water is considered a precious resource in the desert. But, did you know that there are more plant problems caused due to over-watering then under-watering? Believe it or not, it is true. Most people are surprised to hear that up to 70 percent of residential water usage goes to watering trees and plants in your landscape. …

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Mesa’s free landscape workshop: Watering for the Arizona Desert

March 29, 2019

City of Mesa staff water conservationist and horticulturist, Donna DiFrancesco, will talk about simple steps to landscape watering and programming your irrigation timer. After attending this workshop, you just may save some money on your water bill too!

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Mesa’s free landscape workshop: Soils and Fertilizers

Master Gardener, Laura Ward, will share information about the characteristics of our desert soils and how to use fertilizers to keep your plants, shrubs, and trees healthy. She will discuss when and how to use compost and fertilizer, as well as when you can save your money and skip the fertilizer.

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Don’t Just Stand There … Plant Something!

March 12, 2019

Want to improve your quality of life? Plant Something. Seriously. How is a plant or tree possibly going to make life better, you ask? By lowering your heart rate, providing beauty and shade, improving your property value, lowering your energy costs, cleaning the air and water, and creating a more inviting yard and community…….whew…….that’s a lot for a landscape to …

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Landscaping with Nature – Xeriscape

February 8, 2019

What is Xeriscape? Landscapes in urban backyards or around a rural home generally accommodate fruit or ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers that serve a variety of purposes: food, shade, screen, color, or wildlife habitat. With the right plant choices and placement, pleasing and functional landscapes can be achieved that will thrive with minimum irrigation and maintenance. “Xeriscape” promotes water-conserving landscapes …

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Plant of the Month: Flowering Trees

November 13, 2018

Have you ever experienced the agony of sitting in a car that has been baking in an asphalt parking lot? If so, you understand the main value of trees in the desert; they provide much-needed SHADE! Trees benefit our environment in so many ways. They moderate our climate, provide wildlife habitat, improve air quality, and help conserve water by storing water and reducing storm run-off. Trees create microclimates that allow other plants, animals, …

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WAYS TO KEEP YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM EFFICIENT. WE ASKED OUR WATER GURU!

November 6, 2018

So, you’re thinking about installing a new irrigation system or updating the one you already have. There are several steps you can take to create the most efficient system possible, which ultimately will save water, save time, and keep your plants looking beautiful. Water – Use It Wisely asked Warren Gorowitz, Vice President of Sustainability from Ewing Irrigation & Landscape …

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PLANT OF THE MONTH: FLAME ANISACANTHUS

October 9, 2018

For gorgeous blooms that will add vibrant color to your landscape and attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds, choose the Flame Anisacanthus. Description Flame Anisacanthus, Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, has brilliant red to orange flowers that appear from June to November. The 1 ½-inch-long flowers are narrow and tube-shaped at the base, separating above into four parts that form a cross …

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Do Your Homework Before Visiting the Nursery

September 25, 2018

Homeowners need to do a little homework to get the most out of their shopping trip to a nursery. Professionals at your nursery have the know-how to help you plant and maintain a lovely, drought-tolerant yard, but they can best help if you come prepared. Arizona Nursery Association polled its members to determine what professionals need from you so they can …

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SMALL SPACE? TRY USING SMALL, DESERT-ADAPTED TREES

September 18, 2018

It is far too common to see trees that are entirely too large for the yards they occupy. When trees with mature canopies reaching 30 foot or greater (like Ficus or Chilean mesquite) are planted in tiny front or narrow side yards, the amount of pruning needed to keep the trees a manageable size is overwhelming. Not only is it …

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Four Simple Ways to Help Out With The Drought!

June 19, 2018

They’ve been hard to miss … stories about drought, Colorado River water shortages, and water restrictions in California and other surrounding states. Through actively managed water supplies and the development of extensive reservoirs and underground storage, Arizona has planned for moments like these (see 5 Things You Need To Know Right Now About Arizona’s Drought). But, that doesn’t mean that …

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Plant of the Month – Bougainvillea – You Can Grow That

June 11, 2018

The vibrant color of bougainvillea adds a welcome splash of color to southwestern landscapes, and despite their lush green appearance, they thrive in hot, dry climates with little fuss. There are several different species of bougainvillea with Bougainvillea glabra, B. peruviana, and B. spectabilis being the most common. Native to South America, this drought-tolerant plant comes available as shrubs, vines, as well as …

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