As you look for plants to include in your Tucson landscape, you may be surprised at the wide variety of plants that fare well in the harsh desert climate. However, not every heat-resistant plant choice is a good addition to your yard. The following plants are considered noxious weeds in Arizona, and they may take over your landscape or pose a risk to pets and wildlife in your yard. Therefore, you should work to keep these plants out of your yard after you settle on the right landscape design.

Silverleaf Nightshade

Nightshade is a notorious weed, as various types of nightshade have been used as poison. Silverleaf nightshade is one variety that grows in the Southwest, and it produces small green berries, which are poisonous if ingested.

Little Hogweed

Little hogweed features distinctly shiny and angled leaves of dark green with small yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, and it grows throughout the desert and mountain regions. This plant will grow along the surface of the ground, sprawling outward in vine-like formations.

Puncturevine

If you have ever felt a sharp poke in your foot walking around barefoot, you have probably encountered the seeds of the puncturevine. These sharp, goat-head shaped seeds are the defining feature of this plant, which also produces small flowers and thin, oval shaped leaves.

Desert Broomrape

Though the desert broomrape has a captivating deep purple color, they are actually parasitic, leaching off nearby shrubs due to their lack of chlorophyll. These plants are small, cone-shaped growths that have large root systems that are pale in color. You may see developments in clumps, which may reemerge if the roots are not fully removed.

For help choosing the right plants for your Tucson yard, work with Santa Rita Landscaping. You can schedule a landscape design consultation with our team by calling (520) 623-0421, or visit our website to see a portfolio of our work.

Though there is no shortage of Victorian mansions and gardens in the United Kingdom, the Biddulph Grange will provide a unique spectacle to those who make the trip to Staffordshire. The beautiful and extensive gardens are maintained by the National Trust, and they showcase several distinctive themes, including China and Ancient Egypt. Originally designed in 1840, the gardens of Biddulph Grange were the work of James Bateman, who inherited the land from his father. Utilizing his wealth from the coal and steel businesses, James Bateman utilized his horticultural skills to create what is now known as the garden of gardens.

A Tour of History

Adjacent to the residence at Biddulph Grange is a stunning example of a classic Victorian  garden, which has been restored to its former glory. In addition to this glimpse into history, visitors to the garden can explore a wide range of gardens that demonstrate unique historical gardening traditions. Amazingly, the gardens were entirely based on James Bateman’s original design, which utilized plants collected from around the world. In fact, Bateman spent 20 years collecting plants for his garden, sending hunters all over the globe in search of rare and distinctive plants to fit into each theme.

Unique, Secluded Spaces

Biddulph Grange will take you through China, Egypt, Italy, and many regions of England with each garden feeling like it is miles away from the last. Using walls, rocks, and hedges, each garden has been partitioned from the one next to it, creating an immersive and captivating experience for visitors.

Arizona had a particularly wet and windy monsoon season, and the Tucson area saw record rainfall throughout July and August. As a result, your landscape may be looking a little beaten up, and it might even contain some hazards that need to be cleared now that the weather is transitioning to milder fall conditions. This article will offer some tips for cleaning up your landscape after the monsoon season, which may require the help of professional landscapers in Tucson.

Check for Areas of Water Damage

The sudden downpour characteristic of monsoons often causes flooding in the valleys of Southern Arizona. Flooded yards can have uprooted plants, water damaged patios, and other future hazards, so it’s a good idea to walk around the yard and check for areas where water took its toll. You may need to rebuild or restore certain features and replant parts of your garden to ensure that your yard looks great and remains safe through the winter.

Eliminate Debris and Clutter

Fallen branches, dead plants, and broken lawn furniture can ravage landscapes during monsoon season, and these items can continue to do damage if they’re not removed. An essential part of restoring your landscape may be simple cleanup to eliminate debris. You might also look for any areas where water may have pooled during storms, since these pools of standing water might attract unwelcome pests.

Trim or Cut Down Trees

Weak or damaged tree branches may have already fallen during some of the season’s heavier storms, but that does not mean that it’s time to neglect trimming the trees that are still standing. Some branches may be barely hanging on, waiting to do damage to any structures below. Other trees and plants may need to be removed completely, as their root systems may have been compromised.

For professional restoration of your residential landscape or ongoing commercial landscape maintenance, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-9026. We have been serving Southern Arizona with exceptional landscaping services for decades, so we understand the unique climate and design challenges that the area may hold.

There are many types of landscape designs taken from around the world, and many can do well no matter the climate. With the help of an experienced landscaper, homeowners can create a tropical paradise, a Southwestern escape, or a Japanese garden in their backyards. Read on to see different landscape designs.

Southwest Landscape

Southwest is, understandably, a popular design option for Tucson properties. It generally uses Southwestern or desert plants along with graveled pathways and hardscape additions. However, the Southwest landscape design will often incorporate popular design qualities found in architecture and color schemes. For example, Southwest landscapes might feature pinks, oranges, stucco, and stepped walls.

Japanese Garden

Japanese garden designs follow various principles that create a garden filled with symbolism and meant for devoted contemplation. There are a few different types of Japanese garden designs and themes to look for inspiration. For example, rock gardens, Oriental architecture, and hardscapes can create attractive Japanese gardens for any yard. It is important to work with a skilled landscaper who can properly care for the plants and hardscapes.

Xeriscape Design

Technically, xeriscape is considered more of a method of water conservation planting rather than a type of landscape design. However, many landscapers blend Southwest landscapes and xeriscape together into a cohesive design. Xeriscaped properties will use drought-resistant and desert plants along with gravel and hardscapes to take the most advantage of water.

Tropical Landscape

Tropical and Mediterranean designs feature large plants, bright-colored flowers, and clean architectural lines. These designs are popular around the world, and they can be easily incorporated into a Southwestern landscape with white, stucco walls and large, green plants.

Look to the experts in landscape design by calling Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We can turn any landscape into a personal paradise. Call us soon to speak with our landscaping team and start designing the perfect type of landscape.

Arizona’s summer monsoons provide the desert with much-needed water, but that water is not always put to the best use. You can ensure that your landscape takes advantage of monsoon rainwater, and save on your water bill for the summer, with helpful steps below.

Invest in a Collection System

Rainwater collection systems are a great way to take the water falling off your roof or directly from the sky and contain it in a large barrel. Most barrel collection systems will be placed under or attached to a downspout off your house’s gutters. The rainwater will travel down the roof and into one or more barrels. The water can then be used to water plants in the yard or in pots. This water can also be used for drinking water, but it must be properly sanitized before consumption.

Set up Rainwater Irrigation

You can also take greater advantage of monsoon rain by setting up irrigation hoses throughout your property. These hoses will be attached to the collection barrels or directly to the downspouts. As long as the hoses are on a downgrade toward your lawn or garden, then the water will easily flow into basins for maximum water collection at the roots. This method can be best used watering your plants that require more water and are still growing.

Work with Expert Landscapers

Working with a landscaper experienced in Southwest climates and landscapes will be the best choice to ensure your yard takes full advantage of monsoon rains. Southwestern landscapers can properly grade your property so the water flows to your plants, and they can help you choose drought-resistant plants that can survive when water is scarce.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you have a beautiful and water-conservative yard in Tucson, AZ. We have been working in Tucson since 1985, and our founders have experience and degrees in Tucson water conservation. Please call us at (520) 623-0421 to learn how we can help make the monsoons work for you.