Water —
PLANT IT WISELY
The Ultimate Arizona Fall Landscaping and Planting Resource
Autumn in Arizona is here! You can feel it in the cooler desert breeze, see it in the golden sunsets, and notice it as the landscape shifts with the season. It’s the perfect time to pull on your gardening gloves and bring your yard in tune with fall.
Water – Plant It Wisely is your go-to guide for smart landscaping: what to plant, how to plant, and how to do it all with water efficiency in mind. The choices you make in your yard ripple far beyond your property line. By choosing low-water-use plants and following simple xeriscape principles, you’re helping conserve one of Arizona’s most precious resources, water, while creating a landscape that’s both beautiful and sustainable.
Arizona’s Go-To Watering Guide Just Got a Major Refresh
Wondering when, how often, and how much to water? Explore the newly updated Landscape Watering by the Numbers for practical tools, tips, and resources to help your landscape thrive.
Plant Wildflowers Now for Spring Bloom
Spring wildflowers may steal the show in February and March, but planting time is right now! Grab your seed packet, dig in, and get ready for a desert full of color.
Overseeding with Ryegrass: Worth the Water?
Winter grass looks green and lush, but at what cost? Learn how much water and money overseeding really takes and why skipping it might be the smarter move.
Rediscover the New "Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert”
Refreshed, updated, and packed with inspiration: 218 low-water-use plants with gorgeous new photos and practical tips. Your fall-planting starter kit is here.
Planting Ahead: Smart Gardening & Desert Landscaping
Learn how you can plant color, shade, wildlife and water savings! Discover how choosing desert-friendly plants now benefits your yard and Arizona’s future.
From Grass to Xeriscape
Ready to ditch the thirsty grass? Check out the steps to transform your lawn into a colorful, low-water-use xeriscape (plus, see if your water provider offers incentives or rebates).
Drab to Fab Videos
This 10-part video series documents a landscape transition and provides you with the steps you’ll need to take, from creating a plan to planting and caring for your new landscape.
Planting Trees and Shrubs
Did you know that shallow and wide planting holes are best? Learn the surprising secrets to planting success and which trees and shrubs thrive in our desert climate.
Welcome Wildlife to Your Garden
A yard that buzzes, flutters, and sings! Discover how planting with wildlife in mind turns your space into a habitat haven.
Water – Use It Wisely Plant of the Month Feature
From Aloe to Yellow Bells, explore our monthly spotlight on the best plants and find your next garden star.
Get Landscape Ideas at Local Xeriscape Demonstration Gardens
Want fresh design ideas? Stroll through local xeriscape gardens and see water-wise landscapes in action.
All About Irrigation and Watering
Keep your landscape from soaking you with our best tips for efficient irrigation and smart watering practices.
Bonus Fall Links
FREE Fall Gardening Workshops: Find a great class happening near you
Fall is the New Spring Planting: Why fall is prime planting season
Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You’re Looking For: What you should know
Harvest the Rain: Why pay for water when it’s free
Hire a Pro: Tips for choosing a landscape professional
Scottsdale Design Workbook: Fun design plans for inspiration
Sonoran Desert Pollinator Plant Guide: How to attract pollinators to your yard!
Specialty Plant Sales
Boyce Thompson Arboretum Fall Plant Sale: Oct. 17 – Nov. 1
Desert Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale – 50th Anniversary: Oct. 23-26
2026 Fall Festival (Maricopa County Master Gardeners): Oct. 24
Find a Garden Center Near You: Visit the Arizona Nursery Association’s Plant Something site