Agaves are impressive leaf succulents with a wide range of color, texture and size to their rosettes. There are approximately 200 species found throughout the southwest, Mexico, and Central America. The bold rosettes are dramatic accents for the garden that contrast well with the fine texture of desert trees and shrubs. Agaves are some of the most useful desert plants, …
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Guayacán (Guaiacum coulteri) is a resilient desert shrub, highly tolerant of heat and drought, and prized for its striking deep blue-violet blooms in the summer. Discover why this uniquely colored beauty deserves a place in your landscape. Description – What does Guayacán look like? Deep blue-violet, ¾-inch flowers appear sporadically from April to September, clinging tightly to Guayacán’s twisted branches. …
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Are you looking for ways to help your trees and plants thrive under the intense heat of the desert summer sun? Desert-adapted plants are naturally suited for this climate, but they do require some additional care during the summer months to truly flourish. Many enthusiasts unknowingly make changes that can be detrimental to their trees and plants. Here are five …
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More Water Conservation Help is Here for Commercial & Multifamily Customers! Tucson Water has had a robust conservation program for residential customers since the late 1990s, offering free water conservation kits; high-efficiency toilet, clothes washer, gray water, and rainwater harvesting rebates and, in some cases, free toilet replacements and emergency repairs for qualifying customers! Commercial and multifamily customers have also …
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Botanical Name Asclepias subulata Common Names Desert Milkweed, Jumete, Rush Milkweed, Reed-stem Milkweed Habitat / Range Desert milkweed is often found along desert washes and sandy flats, and sometimes on rocky hillsides in lowlands up to 2,500 feet. It will settle into disturbed soils, so can be found along roadsides as well. The range of desert milkweed extends from western …
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Plant Description The strong vertical form of hesperaloe with its spectacular flower spikes makes this clumping, evergreen perennial an ideal accent plant for gardens. While not a true yucca or aloe, it is related to yuccas and agaves, and like its relatives, is a carefree, non-demanding plant. Hesperaloes are extremely hardy, tolerating both heat and cold well in our climate. …
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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 …
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Part of Mesa’s Xeriscape Done Right: A Water-Wise Landscaping Series. Join us for Part I of the free workshop series on Mesa’s Grass-to-Xeriscape Landscape Program. Meet our expert, AZ Plant Lady Noelle Johnson, as she discusses how to create a heat-proof landscape. Topics will include identifying the signs of heat stress in plants, practical solutions for reducing reflected heat around your …
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Our February Plant of the Month blog features a plant description from a recently revised book, Cool Plants for Hot Gardens by Greg Starr! In his book, Greg features 150 water-smart choices for the Southwest – it’s no wonder why we like the book so much here at Water – Use It Wisely! He includes a fun category of the …
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Why we need books by local experts! One thing is certain when it comes to gardening books and magazines . . . gardening in the deserts of the Southwest is far different than in all other regions of the country. For that reason, most books, national magazines, and even those AP stories (that the local newspaper will occasionally publish) just …
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New Video Series Available Phoenix Water teamed up with Watershed Management Group to bring you a video series about passive rainwater harvesting and sustainable desert landscapes. And trust us—now’s the time to take action! You can make landscape changes that will help you grow vibrant, native plants, reduce your water use, and help your plants thrive in our desert environment. …
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Get tree and planting questions answered in person and meet the City of Mesa’s Urban Forest Program Manager and water conservation staff at Summer Winds Nursery. Learn about Mesa’s Trees Are Cool initiative and about the Grass-to-Xeriscape incentive where residential customers can qualify for up to $1,100. Mesa will also be distributing the newly updated Landscape Plants for the Arizona …
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