Sometimes the hardest part about landscaping in Phoenix is getting started.  Luckily, there are many sources available to homeowners these days that can help generate ideas and ignite your creativity.  Explore some online magazines like Sunset (www.sunset.com) and Phoenix Home and Garden (www.phgmag.com).

Check out local city and town resources for landscaping tips, water wise desert plants, poolside plants, and information on xeriscape.  The Town of Gilbert has its resources at (http://www.gilbertaz.gov/water/).  The City of Mesa (www.mesaaz.gov/conservation) has a unique program for its citizens going on called Grass to Xeriscape in which homeowners can get a $500 rebate for removing their grass and changing their landscape design to xeriscape.  The City of Chandler offers rebate programs as well for new landscaping and Smart Irrigation Controllers for your sprinkler system and drip system.  Check out these great resources at (http://chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=369). 

Raised planters are the perfect addition to most any landscaping in Phoenix! Raised planters not only make gardening easier and more efficient, but they also provide a sense of richness, elegance and architectural permanence to your landscaping.

Permeable paving has become the new trend landscaping in Phoenix. Permeable paving is all about eco-friendly hardscape, allowing water to penetrate soil and be naturally recycled. Whether you are looking to redo your backyard patio, front walkway or driveway, concrete slabs are out and permeable concrete pavers are in! 

Landscaping in Phoenix is about so much more than plants, rock, grass, concrete pavers, etc.  It is about creating an environment for outdoor living.  It is about creating an experience!  Whether you live in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, or Queen Creek, consider yourself lucky.  Mother Nature has already given us quite a jump start in the Valley of the Sun with our beautiful weather.  In fact, have you seen the weather in the mid-west?  Snow in May!

The summertime temperatures are on their way.  In fact, this week, we might have our first 100° day.  Summertime represents many different things to us here in Arizona.  For many it is a time for lounging around the pool, having friends over for backyard bbq, and getting some much needed time off for family vacations.  Unfortunately, summertime is not as easy on our backyard landscaping or our water bills, especially if you have a lawn.  The next 3 to 4 months or so, we must remember to adjust our irrigation systems and diligently ensure our lawns are getting enough water.

Palm Trees are one of the more popular desert landscaping plants here in the Valley.  Perhaps you have meandered down Palm Walk on ASU’s campus and seen the 100 year old palms?  Palm trees can be a great addition to most any landscape design plan as they add color and height to area.  It is important though that you research the different varieties available.  Palm trees are not a one size fits all type of plant.  Not all palms are created equal!

This past weekend, Nic and I were lucky enough to tour the gardens at the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC.  The property has about 65 acres of gardens and was originally established in 1895.  Upon entering the garden this time of year, guests are greeted by a variety of colorful tulips.  The grounds feature 5 different gardens, including an Azalea, Italian, Rose, Spring, Shrub, and Walled Garden.  The grounds also have a conservatory that was built to provide the family a warm and welcoming refuge on cold winter days.  The glass structure is massive and the plant collection impressive.  Nic and I were intrigued by all the tropical plants and exotic palms that we were already familiar with landscaping in Phoenix!  It was really a reminder of how lucky we are to live in Arizona, with its year-round beautiful weather and diverse selection of desert plants, shrubs, trees and succulents.  Here are some pictures from our trip!

We at AZ Landscape Creations understand that choosing the right landscaping contractor for your paver installation project can be a bit overwhelming.  We know our clients have many options to choose from.  We are confident, however, that you will be completely satisfied letting AZ Landscape Creations deliver your landscape vision!  We guarantee that we can get the job done right the 1^st time!

When it comes to backyard landscape design, we always say a good patio is the place to start.  Patios are not only where much of the activity occurs, whether it is relaxing or entertaining, but is also focal point of many landscapes.  There are a few hardscape materials available today that can take your backyard patio from ordinary to extraordinary.  Learn more about the options available below to decide what one is right for you!

As the saying goes, “spring is in the air”!  I actually think it should be, “landscaping is in the air”!  If you have visited any local nursery lately or taken a walk around your neighborhood, you are sure to notice an abundance of activity and excitement!