The All American Yard

When the Mister and I moved into Higley Groves West, we knew that we would have help planning our landscaping, both in the front and back yards. Our long-standing friendship with The Sixth Man was able to withstand the strain of asking for help in an area in which he is expert, we are amateur. Our first house, out in Higley, was under the 20 year landscaping plan, a plant here, a tree there, hoping it would somehow magically come together. But this time we wanted to make a PLAN, and then execute it. Our criteria was to develop a place that is pleasant and cool, and soothing to the eye. With the Sixth Man's help, I think we've achieved that, and my many houseguests agree.

But what if you don't have a buddy who is a landscape architect? Obviously, there are many landscape firms for hire, and most of them do a really nice job of helping you develop a plan and then installing it. There is a ton of help from the Town of Gilbert's web site on landscaping in the desert. Cathy Rymer, Gilbert's Water Conservation Specialist posts tips and answers to frequently asked questions, and offers workshops on such things as landscaping and xeriscaping. From a publication she sent the Mister:

A maintenance free landscape full of color, fragrance, interesting textures, coveted shade and water-efficient plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies – that’s my idea of a perfect yard. Sound impossible? It’s not!

You can have this type of landscape merely by using effective design techniques and plants that like growing here in our salty soils and challenging climate. Simply called Xeriscape (zer-i-scape) this type of landscaping uses water wise plants and can even include small water features, patios, walkways, limited turf areas and effective mulches combined into an eye-appealing environment.
Xeriscape should not look like a sea of gravel or barren rocks and cactus. Xeric gardens can be full of beautiful green plants that are water-efficient and able to withstand periods of drought. They are compatible with the environment of our Sonoran Desert which has hot dry summers and cool moist winters.

I completely agree that xeriscape should not look like a sea of gravel! Check out the town's website on water issues here; maybe you'll get some ideas for that new house in Higley Estates or Highland Groves.