Author Archives: micah

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 […]

Shaded areas of your yard can be tricky to deal with. How can you best use those areas that get little to no direct sun? Luckily, there is plenty you can do with those sun-deprived areas of your yard. There are even some plants that will do just fine in these spaces! Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of shaded areas.  Plant succulents. While succulents are known for being able to survive in a […]

Whenever you are designing your home’s landscape, you should always keep your climate in mind. The plants that naturally thrive in your local climate are going to consistently look great while being easy to care for. But what if you live in a “tricky” climate—like the desert? It’s true that the desert isn’t exactly a hospitable environment for more traditional shrubs and bushes. Most of the lush plants that people love don’t exactly thrive in low water and high temperatures. […]