PREPARE A COST ESTIMATE Pre-shopping activities should provide the information needed to estimate the total cost of the landscape. Use a worksheet like the one above to generate the cost estimate. Make several copies, in case you need additional space or want to revise your list of materials and services. It might save some time to list similar items on …

DRAW A PRELIMINARY PLAN The best way to design a house is to develop a plan and make a drawing. The same is true for a landscape. It is easier to visualize your plan when it’s put on paper. Drawings also serve as a reality check to make sure all of the landscape components are the right size and in …

LEARN ABOUT MATERIALS Although plants are considered the mainstay of many landscapes, it is important to remember that other landscape materials are available that will add to the beauty and function of your yard. For example, you may want to incorporate hardscape or structures into your landscape plan. These include the following design elements: patios and ramadas walkways boulders a …

LEARN ABOUT PLANTS Plants that Make the Desert Bloom An increase in the popularity of Xeriscape over the past fifteen years has led to widespread availability of low water use plants in our area. If you are new to the Sonoran Desert or if you have not been shopping for plants in a while, you are in for a treat. …

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 …