Landscaping Tip of the Month: Replace Turf with Low-Water-Use Plants
Replacing turf with low-water-use plants reduces the landscape water requirement. Once established, low-water-use plants typically use 40 to 50 percent less water than turf. […]
Plant of the Month: Scarlet Bush, Fire Bush (Hamelia Patens)
This fast-growing shrub has fuzzy, 6-inch, gray-green leaves. In areas with frost, plants reach 5 feet high and as wide, but often remain smaller. In frost-free areas in the tropics they can reach an incredible 25 feet in height. […]
Beat the Heat and Dive Into Water Savings
As we head into the summer months, many of us look to cool off in the comfort of our backyard pool. But did you know that by taking a few straightforward precautions, you can conserve your pool water—and at the same time, lower your expenses? […]
Making Every Drop Count Matters More Now
As California recently entered its third straight year of drought, Gov. Newsom called on all of us to work together to reduce water usage by 15 percent. In response, the State Water Board approved emergency regulations on May 24, 2022, that required water agencies to implement Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans (WSCP) in June 2022. […]
Landscaping Tip of the Month: Know the Water Needs of Your Plants
How much and how often do you need to water landscape plants in the Coachella Valley? This is a common question asked by many desert gardeners, particularly by newcomers. Answering this two-part question is complex: drying winds, soils that drain fast, soils that drain slow, and the wide range of water requirements of the many plants that grow here impact how much and when to water. For example, established natives and desert-adapted plants need much less water than tropical or subtropical shrubs and trees, shallow-rooted annuals, non-native perennials, ground covers [...]
Plant of the Month: Tree Bear Grass (Nolina Matapensis)
Tree Bear Grass, or Nolina Matapensis, has long, straplike leaves that are glossy green, giving it a lush appearance. The edges are sharp, so take care when planting and maintaining. […]
