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Plant of the Month: Santa’s Naughty and Wise Plant List

December 15, 2020

[…] checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or water-wise! We have composed a list of naughty and water-wise flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees to help you plan out your Xeriscape garden. It’s not too late to get on the nice list this year by replacing your high water-use plants with low water-use plants. These selections are easier to grow […]

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IT’S THE PERFECT TIME … TO KILL YOUR LAWN!

August 15, 2017

[…] mowing, blowing, edging and dethatching to do. If you’re tired of all that time and effort, and if you’ve entertained the idea of converting your grassy outdoors to a colorful Xeriscape, the best time is right now!   A Xeriscape uses half as much water as grass. Why is summer the best time to remove your grass? Here’s the science […]

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Give the Gift That Keeps on Saving

December 12, 2019

[…] about pairing it up with new flooring for the bathroom, since that’s the best time to replace a toilet. Landscape renovations can turn a thirsty landscape to a low water-using Xeriscape and can cut your outdoor water use in half. Since 50 to 70 percent of household water is commonly used outdoors, the savings can add up to as much […]

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WaterSenseLabel

LOVE DIY? MAYBE NOT? HERE’S HOW TO SELECT A LANDSCAPE PRO

May 10, 2017

Thinking about converting your landscape from high water use to Xeriscape, but don’t know where to begin? Maybe you like to get down in the dirt and do-it-yourself (DIY), or you’re interested in hiring a pro; making the switch to a beautifully designed Xeriscape landscape can be very rewarding. Finding the right resources to help you design, install, and then […]

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Plant of the Month: Drought Tolerant and Great for the Indoors

August 19, 2020

[…] soak every 14-days or so and allow to dry thoroughly between watering. Like some of the Snake Plants, the Zamia or ZZ Plant is also a nice addition to our xeriscape gardens in our Arizona landscapes. Be sure to grow in pots on patios or in protected shady areas. The plant may sustain frost damage below 32-degrees. Clear the air! […]

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snake plant

Arizona Water Trivia, Facts, and Tips

July 14, 2020

[…] oxygen atom, represented by the letter O. Help your yard drink responsibly: With up to 70% of our household water going to outdoor use, consider using a pool cover, practice xeriscape landscaping principles, and be sure to conduct periodic irrigation checks. Avoid heavy pruning as it stimulates growth causing your plants to use more water. Pruning trees and shrubs regularly […]

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Celebrating 20 Years with our Top 20 Water-Saving Resources

December 5, 2019

[…] Use It Wisely. Instantly download the logo directly to your website or social network. 17.) Pinterest fans will love our pins and boards that cover a variety of topics from Xeriscape landscaping and low-water-use plants to water facts infographics and kids conservation activities. There is something for everyone. 18.) Take your kids on an adventure with our lovable mascot, Wayne […]

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For the Love of Green Grass

September 24, 2019

[…] articles to read next: 10 Reasons Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You’re Looking For Plant of the Month: Ryegrass or Winter Grass Top 10 Reasons to Convert to Xeriscape Donna DiFrancesco is a Conservation Coordinator with the City of Mesa, AZ, one of 20 Water– Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.   Push mower with grass […]

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Plant of the Month – Groundcover: Green Makes A Better Carpet Than Gravel

September 11, 2019

[…] the spring. The flowers of the Lantana come in a wide array of colors including purple, yellow, red, orange, pink and mixed colors. They are a colorful addition to any Xeriscape landscape.   Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’) First, check whether the type of plant you see at the nursery grows into a shrub or is the “trailing rosemary” that is better […]

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Bear Grass use in landscape

Plant of the Month: Night-Blooming Cereus (repandus and hildmannianus)

August 27, 2019

[…] the fall or early spring so it has time to get established before summer. You can see this cactus and hundreds of other species of desert-adapted plants at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden that surrounds the Glendale Main Library at 5959 W. Brown St. Glendale, AZ 85302. Did you know that up to 70 percent of water use is outdoors? […]

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Is 24,000 gallons of water per month too much for a family of three?

August 12, 2019

[…] Water – Use It Wisely partner, AMWUA.   Donna DiFrancesco is a conservation coordinator with the City of Mesa, Environmental & Sustainability Division where she educates Mesa, Arizona residents about xeriscape, water conservation, living green, and sustainability. She is also a member of the Water – Use It Wisely regional campaign steering committee. Our Landscape Watering Guide Smart Home Water […]

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5 STEPS FOR A DRAB-TO-FAB BACKYARD REHAB

April 18, 2016

[…] drink responsibly Did you know that over half of household water goes into our landscapes? Converting a water-thirsty landscape of grass and high-water-use plants into an attractive low-water-use landscape, or Xeriscape, is one of the best and easiest ways to save water, save money on your water bill and create a landscape that is much easier to maintain. Xeriscape (zeer-ah-scape) […]

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