As water restrictions are becoming more apparent and people are now finding themselves at home more often. The future of garden design is drastically changing, and rightly so. It is no longer in our best interest to have plants that soak up water like a sponge. Especially in our desert climate, it is impractical and not efficient for our water survival. We really need to change our outlook on the plants we have around our homes, their water usage, and our mindset on which plants we prefer.
Our landscapes will take up to 70% of our homes water usage, therefore the plants we choose to have around our homes make a major impact on our environment and our budget. Choosing native species that require little to (eventually) no supplemental water are key factors. Changing our opinions on the hardscapes we choose in order to mitigate the urban heat effect and lower cost are the next steps.
As many Tucsonans are either retired, have multigenerational usage of their homes, work from home, or find themselves traveling less and less. The need for a relaxing but efficient garden space is becoming more crucial. As truly wild places are becoming fewer and fewer and much of us are finding we have less and less time to get away, it is becoming more apparent that we need to have these getaways right in our own backyard! From the cute and cozy, to small nurturing nooks, to natural desert oases. Our yards have the potential to be our secluded and vital sanctuaries.
There is no denying that nature heals us and helps to enliven our spirits. We are born from this Earth and we need its vital connection to feel safe and happy. We should all feel at Home in our own backyard (or front yard, mind you). Yet many people find that their spaces are desolate, barren, or too hot, and don’t know what to do or which plants to use to create a sustainable environment. It often takes the assistance of a keen designer to help see and bring out the potential of your space.
It is important with plant selection that you choose the right plants for your space so they will be able to live and thrive in your yard without getting to big, causing damage, or getting the incorrect amount of water. More often than not, we see that improper plant selection and placement are the biggest downfalls of design; not only at homes but at businesses. Which can result in huge and unnecessary cost, such as; over watering, plants dying and needing removal, or the need for constant pruning and care due to improper placement. Trees are often placed too close to structures, pipes, and other plants causing either death of the plant, harm to our homes, or costly maintenance.
It only makes sense to hire a local professional to get the right plan for your plants; not only for safety and practicality, but to help set up your irrigation systems efficiently and create the right design for your space. Something we often see is home owners buying designs online from people who do not live in Tucson and have no understanding of our environment. These designers are not able to do an on site evaluation; which is paramount for understanding what you need. More than half the time these designs are not implemented and that money is wasted. Not only are the designs improper and often need to be redone but the designer is not there to implement the design, meet the owners, and get a feel for the space. Its important for home owners to be able to know their designer and landscaper. You want to work with somebody who understands you, your needs, and gets a feel for your personality and space.
A oversight not often known is, a true designer will look at many different aspects of you and your home. Not only getting to know you, ask insightful questions to gauge your home & families needs, but also see the inside of your home to make sure views are enhanced and not blocked, plants are chosen to enliven the space from inside as well as the outside. Seeing your interior style helps get a feel for you, and helps your designers make the perfect design for you and your home. Online designs do not offer this and clients are missing out on valuable insights, connection, and value.
At Desert Nurture, our designer takes the time to know you and your space, seeing all the areas of your home, evaluate the yards topography, and create a custom design for you, specifically for your home and families wants and needs. Connect with a designer that sparks passion into your project, uses knowledgeable skills, local knowhow, and intuitive insights for your project.
Give us a call to schedule a design consultation, our team would love to help you create the perfect garden for your home or business!
520-335-3373
To get more information about the urban heat effect, visit u of a’s website.
Desert Nurture are Smartscape trained professionals.
© Desert Nurture LLC
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