Swale idea: Simple, inexpensive ways of saving rainwater

A downspout from a roof gutter directs rainfall to the contoured yard of Catlow Shipek, co-founder of the Watershed Management Group

Swale idea: Simple, inexpensive ways of saving rainwater

Shipek's landscaping guides water to the roots of native vegetation.

Swale idea: Simple, inexpensive ways of saving rainwater

Rock basins are good collectors. They can be connected by spillways to other basins.

Swale idea: Simple, inexpensive ways of saving rainwater

Flowering plants fill a shallow depression, or swale. Leftover dirt can be used for basin berms.

Swale idea: Simple, inexpensive ways of saving rainwater

How much rainwater have you kept in your yard so far this season? It's not too late to start harvesting it.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

Colorful pillows on the porch swing, potted flowers and butterflies brighten this bungalow's front porch, adding to the curb appeal that attracts buyers.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

An inviting yard doesn't have to rely only on plants. This home's furniture helps create an inviting entry.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

Desert-adapted plants are good choices for adding low-maintenance color and enhancing appeal to potential buyers.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

Green plants and colorful flowers make this entryway inviting. Keep landscape neat and tidy by blowing off plant litter.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

Arizona's native low-care plants keep a home looking fresh and attractive, whether you want to sell the house or improve the view for yourself.

Curb appeal is essential to selling a home

With Tucson's housing market showing signs of life, curb appeal is starting to get more attention.

Mulch matters: shades, cools, feeds soil

Litter from landscape clean-up, such as the tree debris Angelo Romeo is chipping into mulch, will break down and add nutrients to the soil.

Mulch matters: shades, cools, feeds soil

After the recently cut leaves dry, this mulch will be ready to spread, helping to cool down the soil and slow down moisture evaporation.

Mulch matters: shades, cools, feeds soil

Angelo Romeo's wife, Veronica, planted a lantana at their home several years ago.

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

A demonstration area with ponds showcases fish and plants at Tucson Koi and Water Gardens.

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

A lily pad with a blossom is one of the types of water plants that make a pond a home for koi.

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

"I've found ponds very tranquil, especially living in the desert," says Dr. Santiago Tucson, koi collector.

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

Stone statues and hardscape construction are also available at the koi and water-plant shop.

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

Caption unavailable

Koi, pond fans find kindred hearts

Cardiologist Lee Goldberg was having a tough time getting a koi pond installed in his backyard.

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