|
"The Internet is a
wondrous marvel that allows us to travel the world without packing
our bags or leaving the house" -
Me
Here are several Web sites that are
highly recommended for local plant and water information. Please
take some time and thoroughly check out what they are offering in
the way of information and additional links to extremely informative
sites.
The University of Arizona
provides information to help you plant and maintain your landscape.
These folks really know how to grow 'stuff' here in the desert. Be
sure to download all of the publications you need. The information
is based on University research so you know you are getting the
straight scoop.
University of
Arizona Cooperative Extension Office for Maricopa
County
Click on the following link to visit the
Arizona Municipal Water Users Association Web site for great
watering guidelines and water saving tips: www.amwua.org
.
Arizona is a state of
contrast and extremes. From the scorching hot desert to snow covered
mountain tops, Arizona contains many richly diverse plant
communities. One of the better ways to acquaint yourself with what
really grows here, is to visit these places I have selected for
you.
Starting in Tucson which is just a little cooler
and wetter than the greater Phoenix metro area, stop in at the Tucson Botanical Gardens www.tucsonbotanical.org to see a wonderful
collection and display of Sonoran Desert plants.
While there, also check out the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum www.desertmuseum.org . Twenty-five acres of
plants and fun.
A stop at our very own Desert Botanical Garden www.dbg.org
provides you the opportunity to see many of your landscape plants at
maturity and offers some great landscaping ideas to add to or
improve your garden.
Then its off to Boyce Thompson Arboretum http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/ which
offers wonderful examples of transitional type plants. Pack a picnic
basket and make a day of it.
Finally a day trip to the Arboretum at Flagstaff www.thearb.org and a
totally different plant environment. Don't be surprised to see a few
Cactus and Succulents calling this high country home.
Be sure to take your camera and bring back ideas
to use in your own garden or landscape.
Believe
it or not, a pond in the desert can use less water than a
lawn. Plus you have the benefit of gorgeous water plants and flowers
to brighten your yard. Not to mention the sound of gently falling
water to wash away a bad day and offering a relaxing and refreshing
change of pace in our otherwise hectic world. If you are considering
a pond, I heartily recommend you visit The Pond
Gnome, whom I consider the best
in the valley.
Here is a great source of
information on Xeriscape plants. Browse the site and you will find
printable information sheets on some of your favorite low water
plants. Mountain States Wholesale Nursery is one of the largest
growers of Xeriscape plants in Arizona. Follow this link and
enjoy. www.mswn.com/index2.htm
| 
