What Kind of Cactus is That...?

Cholla Cactus

Whenever someone visits Arizona, they are always surprised at the many diverse and unique varieties of cacti and other desert plants in our landscaping. In the movies, all they ever seem to show are the Giant Saguaros that Arizona is so famous for. I once met a Japanese tourist in the Phoenix airport and his two main objectives in visiting Arizona were to see a Giant Saguaro in "real life" and to see the Grand Canyon. He couldn't wait to get out and experience the Sonoran desert that he had seen in so many american western movies.

As we drive through the streets of Phoenix and the surrounding cities, it is surprising how many of our street names are derived from cacti and other local plants. Ocotillo, cholla, sagebrush, greasewood, I have noticed so many of these names. But... how many of us can really put a plant with a name? In the weeks to come, we will be featuring unique varieties of common Arizona plants on this blog so we can all learn a little more about our beautiful Arizona desert.

Check back soon to put a name to all of those plants you've wondered about for years!

Questions about Arizona Landscaping? Contact ProQual today: 480-456-0608

Xeriscape Series Part Seven...

Arizona Xeriscape Maintenance

No matter what type of commercial landscaping you choose in Arizona, it will require some degree of care throughout the year. Turf areas will require spring and fall aeration along with regular fertilization every 6 to 8 weeks. Keep your grass height at 3 inches and allow the clippings to fall. Trees, shrubs and perennials will need periodic pruning to remove dead limbs, promote blooming or control height and spread. Remember that most of the removed plant material can be shredded and used in composting piles.

We hope you have enjoyed learning a more about this obscure word "xeriscape" over the last couple of months. If you have any questions or needs regarding your Arizona landscape maintenance, contact ProQual today: 480-456-0608