ABC’S OF MONSOON PLANTING
The summer rainy season is here, making it a great time to get out in the garden and do some planting! For many seed varieties in the Native Seeds/SEARCH collection, this is a traditional time to plant. The monsoons allow for a second summer season after crops planted in March… Read More
WATER HARVESTING BASICS
Water harvesting is the capture and storage of rainfall to irrigate plants or to supply people and animals. It is one of the oldest known gardening methods. Water harvesting dates back to the beginning of agriculture. In the desert southwest, Tohono O’odham, and Hopi tribes still harvest rainwater after the onset of summer and winter rain. Did you ever play… Read More
XERISCAPE VERSUS ZEROSCAPE: IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE?
When it comes to desert landscaping you often hear the terms “Xeriscape” and “zeroscape” used interchangeably, but have you ever wondered what the difference is between the two? Xeriscape and zeroscape are definitely not the same. Let’s explain: Xeriscape comes from the Greek word “xeric” meaning dry or arid. Zeroscape… Read More
GARDENS DEMONSTRATE THE BEAUTY OF XERISCAPE
Visiting a xeriscape demonstration garden, which showcases low-water-use plants, is an excellent way to get new and innovative ideas for your home landscape. You won’t have to travel far, as a number of the Water – Use It Wisely partners feature unique demonstration gardens right in your own community. Plan… Read More
REDISCOVER GARDENING AT YOUR LIBRARY
Join the city of Scottsdale’s Mustang Library for the Fourth Annual Garden Week from March 27 to April 1, featuring daily programs and how-to clinics. The library is excited to bring local vendors and speakers together to share with our community the latest tips in gardening and landscape sustainability. What… Read More
DESERT PLANTS ARE GREAT AT MULTI-TASKING
Plants provide many functions for the landscape February is a great time to plant in the low desert as temperatures are still cool and roots can get established before the heat sets in. Perhaps you are looking to add or replace a few plants to your landscape, create a new… Read More
DESERT EDIBLES: CITIES OFFER FULL MENU OF LANDSCAPE AND GARDENING CLASSES
The Sonoran Desert is an incomparable place to hike, bike, run, horseback ride and bird watch. When it comes to foraging for food, it’s not so grand. Even those knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topic admit that sifting and straining food from desert flora is labor intensive. It is, however,… Read More
ATTEND THE FREE 2017 WATER CONSERVATION EXPO, PROVIDED BY SRP
SRP invites Phoenix valley residents to learn about water conservation and Valley water supplies at the 10th annual SRP Water Conservation Expo on March 4, 2017. Approximately 50 exhibitors will be at the event, including municipalities, water organizations, the Water – Use It Wisely campaign, and vendors with water-efficient products…. Read More
PLANTING THE RAIN: HYDRATING ARIZONA ONE YARD AT A TIME
Envision your dream landscape. Does it have a water-harvesting rain garden, rockwork and basins overflowing with flowering native plants? How about a greywater system feeding a fig tree or a humming pollinator garden? Once you’ve got the image—how do you bring it to life? Join Watershed Management Group (WMG) for… Read More
WATER TOWER TOUR & FINDING LEAKS
April is Water Awareness Month and Earth Month. The Water – Use It Wisely partners have many activities throughout the month of April to celebrate. See the Events calendar for exciting happenings around the valley including workshops, tree plantings, festivals, and more. One such event is the Water – Use It Wisely… Read More
