Author Archives: micah

Almost every landscape design includes rocks in some way, shape, or form. Landscaping with rocks is a timeless and visually appealing way to transform your outdoor space and add visual interest, color, and texture to your yard. Whether you’re looking to create a stunning rock garden, construct a retaining wall, or add natural accents to your yard, finding the right rocks is essential—and it’s not always easy. The good news is that rocks for landscaping can be found in various […]

In a hot climate like Arizona, the value of backyard water features cannot be understated. While most people consider the gold standard to be an in-ground swimming pool, not everyone wants to deal with the maintenance or cost of such a feature. This leads people to turn to other options that will help them and their families cool off in hot weather. In recent years, one option that has grown in popularity is the backyard splash pad.  A big step […]

Artificial plants have long been a popular option for adding a natural look and feel to a home’s interior. But can artificial plants work just as well for the exterior of your home? Using artificial plants in outdoor landscaping has both pros and cons, and the decision will ultimately depend on your preferences, needs, the specific context of your yard, and the types of plants you want to use. Here are some of the most important things to consider when […]

When it comes to adding water to your landscape design, a pool isn’t your only option. In fact, many people prefer to bring water into their backyards in more natural ways, with aquascapes that use water to create a beautiful, soothing environment.  Whether you have a large backyard or a cozy small patio, there are various aquascape options that you can use to elevate the beauty and functionality of your landscape. Here are some of the best aquascape features to […]

Many people put effort into keeping wildlife out of their yards, with fences, chemical repellents, and more. But what about those of us who want to create a more wildlife-friendly landscape? Wildlife-friendly yards not only bring the wonder of nature right into our own backyards, but they also can help support biodiversity and ecological balance.  There are a few simple ways to entice wildlife into your outdoor space. Here are some of our favorites. Use native plants. Native vegetation attracts […]

Not every landscaping project requires professional help, but how can you know when it’s time to DIY, and when it’s time to call in the pros? At the end of the day, whether or not to hire a professional landscaper is up to you. That said, here are 3 major signs that a professional landscaper might be the right call for your project. 1. You don’t have the time. Big landscaping projects take a lot of time and energy—usually even […]

A “sustainable” landscape, also known as an “eco-friendly” or “green” landscape, is an outdoor area that is designed and maintained in a way that minimizes negative environmental impacts. Sustainable landscapes also promote conservation, efficiency, and biodiversity, using practices that are environmentally responsible. With recent trends toward more environmentally friendly solutions in all industries, sustainable landscaping is becoming increasingly popular for both private yards and public spaces. Here are some key features and principles of a sustainable landscape: Water conservation. Water […]

Monsoon season in Arizona officially begins each year on June 15, and with it comes high winds, blowing dust, lightning strikes, often heavy rain, and other potentially hazardous stormy conditions.  Keeping up with pool and yard maintenance during this time of year can be tricky. You could spend hours cleaning your pool only to have a huge dust storm blow in to undo all that hard work; or the trees and bushes you’ve carefully shaped and trimmed could become damaged […]

Living in the desert doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of having plants in your yard. After all, the desert itself is full of native plants that thrive in harsh, low-water-high-sun conditions. But which drought-tolerant plants are best for your yard? Here are some popular, easy-to-maintain options that are great for those who are trying to conserve water. Agave Agave is a very sturdy succulent and has no problem surviving in the desert heat. They come […]

Planting a lawn seems like it should be pretty straightforward: just seed, fertilize, water, and enjoy. While the actual process may be that simple, there’s also one crucial step in the process that cannot be skipped: determining the best lawn type for your yard. After all, if you choose the wrong type, your lawn may be more difficult (or even impossible) to maintain and enjoy. While the most foolproof way to determine the best lawn type for your yard will […]