Author Archives: micah

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 […]

Spring is the season best known for its colorful blooms. But if you want to take advantage of all the flowers of the season, you need to know which ones to plant in your specific area and climate. This is especially true here in Arizona, where the spring is usually warm and sunny, a precursor to the intense summer heat to come.  So what are the best seasonal flowers for an Arizona spring? Here are a few of our favorites.  […]

When people think of “modern” design, they usually think of interior design: sleek finishes, unusual fixtures, and abstract art. But modern design doesn’t have to be confined to the indoors. There are plenty of ways to make your landscape more modern, too. Here are some of our favorite modern design elements for your landscape. Modern fireplaces A fireplace or fire pit is a fun addition to any yard, and it doesn’t always have to have a “campfire” feel to it. […]

Hiring a landscape designer can seem like a daunting prospect. The decision is an important one, as the person you choose will have a big impact on your entire landscape design experience, not to mention the finished product.  What steps can you take to make sure you hire someone who is a good fit for your project? One of the best things you can do is ask the right questions. Here are 5 questions that will help you make an […]

It’s finally that time of year in Arizona—when the weather has cooled down enough that we can get outside and enjoy our backyards again! After a long summer spent inside with the air conditioning, we’re all ready for a little more outdoor fun. Here are some ideas of fun backyard activities the whole family can enjoy. Outdoor games Fun outdoor games are a must-have for any backyard. If you have a big yard, croquet and frisbee are classic, family-friendly games. […]

A front lawn is almost a given of home ownership…but it’s not an obligation that everyone wants to take on. Some people opt to design their front yard in a way that does not include a full lawn of green grass.  Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the pros and cons of choosing to keep your front yard lawn-free. PROS CONS Now that you’re aware of some of the major pros and cons of lawn-free front yard […]

Good design can change everything—and that is just as true outside your home as it is inside it. When you’re working on a backyard garden, for example, a deliberate, well thought out design will make all the difference in making your garden exactly what you want it to be. Today, we’re sharing some of our best tips for designing a garden that is perfect for your home backyard. Know your goals. Is this a vegetable garden, a flower garden, or […]

When it comes to keeping the plants, trees, or flowers in your yard healthy and thriving, there are a couple important things to consider, but none are as important as water. Without the right amounts of water at the right times, any plant will die—period. Of course, staying on top of a strict watering schedule can quickly become a big hassle. And that’s where drip irrigation systems come in.  What is a drip irrigation system? A drip irrigation system is […]

One of the best things about winter in the Phoenix area is that while most of the country is hunkering down for the bitter cold, we are finally getting to venture outside! Mild Phoenix winters mean plenty of sunshine and bearably cool temperatures. Of course, winters are still too cold—even in Phoenix—to use an unheated pool, splash pad, or other water feature. But there are plenty of fun elements you can add to your yard that will make the winter […]