MAKE A DRAWING Measure your lot, then draw a diagram of the site that includes the house and any existing features like a walkway, pool or patio. Make the drawing to scale by using grid paper or an enlargement of the plot plan provided by your builder. You may want to make two separate drawings; one for the front yard …

TIPS ON TURF Since turf is relatively water thirsty, use it sparingly. If you like the green look that turf provides, you may be able to achieve a similar look with low water use groundcovers or a combination of turf and low water use plant material. There are many water thrifty plants that have a surprisingly lush look. Make turf …

    IDEAS FOR CREATING YOUR WISH LIST: Walk, bike or drive around your neighborhood to get some design ideas. You may want to visit commercial developments and other residential developments as well. Keep a camera handy and take photographs of everything you like, no matter where you find it; from fabulous model homes to the bank on the corner. …

MAKE A WISH LIST! If you don’t already know what you want from your landscape, now is the time to decide. Ask yourself these questions: What do I want my yard to look like? What functions do I want my yard to serve? Do I want color and shade in my yard? Do I want my landscape to help conserve …

DESIGNING A GREAT YARD Creating a plan will help you get the most out of your landscape while considering issues like cost, function, aesthetic preferences, maintenance requirements, water efficiency and energy efficiency. You can tailor the plan to suit your taste, your needs and your checkbook. The plan will serve as a guide throughout the landscaping process. It will help …

APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE When properly designed and maintained, Xeriscapes save water, time and money through reduced plant water needs and lower maintenance requirements. But low water use and low maintenance do not mean no water use and no maintenance. All landscapes need some care and most plants need supplemental water in our desert environment. Proper pruning techniques can keep your yard …

THE USE OF MULCHES Mulches cover the soil and reduce evaporation from planted areas. They cool the soil beneath and also help to inhibit weed growth and erosion. There are organic mulches and inorganic mulches. The most popular organic mulches in our area are bark chips and wood grindings. These are often used in planting beds and other small areas. …

SOIL IMPROVEMENTS   Most low water use plants thrive naturally in our desert soils, so amendments such as fertilizers and soil supplements are usually not necessary. They do prefer good drainage, and soil should be loosened at planting time to encourage healthy root growth. Soil amendments most likely will be needed for turf areas and areas where more water thirsty …

EFFICIENT IRRIGATION In the Sonoran Desert, almost all new plants should be watered regularly to get them established; and most plants, low water use or not, need some kind of irrigation even after they become mature. The trick is to find out how much water your plants require and to apply only that much. When you design your irrigation system, …

Appropriate Turf Areas Although turf generally requires more water and more maintenance than low water use plants, sometimes only grass will do, especially if you are sports-minded or if there are children or pets at home. Small turf areas can be incorporated successfully into a Xeriscape if they are properly planned, installed and maintained. Don’t forget to consider artifical turf …