Author Archives: micah

A pergola is an excellent addition to any backyard. Defined as “an outdoor garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway, or sitting area,” a pergola is a great way to add visual interest and functionality to your backyard.  But once you’ve decided to add a pergola to your yard, that’s still only the beginning. One of the other big decisions you’ll have to make, along with design and placement, is what material to use. There are three main materials used […]

Other people may be hunkering down for the fall and winter, but here in Arizona, the temperatures are (finally) dropping and we are all starting to venture outside once again! This means that it’s time to pay attention to that back patio you’ve neglected all summer.  What can you do to spruce up your back patio? Here are a few ideas that will turn your patio into a place you’ll love to be all season long. Comfortable seating If you […]

“The most wonderful time of the year” in Arizona isn’t just about the holidays; it’s also about the incredible weather! In the Phoenix area, residents look forward to mild winter days and chilly nights. But preparing for the winter weather isn’t all about breaking out the sweaters and boots; it’s also about making sure your yard is ready for the cooler temps. Here are some quick tips to help you prepare your landscape for an Arizona winter. Plant ryegrass. Warm […]

Most people think about beauty first when it comes to their landscaping, but the plants you grow in your yard can be both beautiful and functional—without a lot of excess work on your part. Today we are highlighting some edible plants that are easy to grow.  Fruits and vegetables Let’s start with some of the more traditional edible plants available to home gardeners: fruits and vegetables. While there will always be some amount of prep work and care that goes […]

Building an outdoor kitchen is exciting, but it also brings with it a lot of decisions, stress, and of course, cost. That means that it is crucial to consider all your options and really think things through before jumping into such a large project. So what exactly do you need to consider when building an outdoor kitchen?  Budget It can be extremely easy for outdoor kitchen projects to get out of hand budget wise. With a wide variety of upgraded […]

Many people think you have to have a big, sprawling backyard in order to justify stunning landscape design. But that’s simply not the case. Even a small yard can be carefully designed to become an at-home outdoor oasis, as long as a few simple principles are followed. Make the most of every space. When you’re working with a small space, it’s important that each space is used intentionally. Take a look at your overall space and think about the things […]

When people spend a lot of time, energy, and money on perfecting their backyard, they want to end up with an outdoor space they can actually use. And few things make a yard more usable than outdoor cooking options. Even in Phoenix, where the outdoor temperatures can soar to miserable heights, outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity. But these days, there are so many options for outdoor cooking that it can be hard to know which cooking method is right […]

Water conservation is a big part of the landscaping discussion right now, especially in places like Phoenix. With brutally hot summers and naturally dry, desert conditions, water is a resource that is as vital as it is scarce.  As more and more people think about droughts and potential water shortages, they also start to think about ways to conserve water in their landscaping. Luckily, there are several simple things that everyone can do to save a little (or a lot) […]

If you have a backyard pool in Arizona (lucky you!), you’ve probably hosted your fair share of pool parties. Most people that live in or around Phoenix will take any chance they get to enjoy some cool water and good company.  Of course, there are more things you can do to make your next summer pool party even more enjoyable for you and your guests. Here are 4 of them. 1. Play it safe. Safety is always the name of […]

During the summer in the Phoenix area, sometimes the only time when it is bearable to be outside is after the sun goes down. Of course, nighttime backyard entertainment brings with it its own set of challenges—not the least of which is lighting. How can you light your backyard so you can enjoy your summer nights? Here are some ideas. String lights String lights have gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. That’s because they’re affordable, relatively […]