Author Archives: micah

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. […]

Anyone can host an event at their home, but there are some things you can do to make hosting easier, more comfortable, and more successful. Here are some tips that will help you create an outdoor space where you’ll be excited to host events. Maximize your space for your needs. Whether you live on acreage or have only a small yard, you should always think about the best ways to maximize your unique space. Think about creating defined spaces that […]

You’ve worked hard to create the yard you want, and now, you want to protect it. Unfortunately, wildlife may want to enjoy your yard too…whether you want them to or not. So how can you keep wildlife from damaging your landscape? The answer will vary slightly depending on where you live and what kind of wildlife you are dealing with. But there are some best practices to follow in order to protect your yard. Here are a few. Use a […]

Everyone wants a beautifully landscaped yard, but not everyone is happy with the toll a lush, green yard can have on the environment. Some residential sprinkler heads can use up to 30 gallons of water per minute, making them a less-than-ideal option for times of drought or for anyone who wants to be environmentally conscious. And that’s just one example of how residential yards can wreak havoc on our ecosystem. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make […]

One of the best parts of being outdoors is enjoying the birds, insects, and other wildlife you see in their natural habitats. Today, we’re going to give you some ideas for bringing nature right into your own backyard, with a list of plants that are known to attract hummingbirds and other wildlife. Desert Honeysuckle Desert honeysuckle gets its name because it thrives in the desert. It does well in sandy, clay, or well-drained soil and is resistant to drought, making […]