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Gardening The arid Arizona climate supports a wide variety of colorful native plant life. Watering is essential, but native plants have adapted to the lack of water in the desert and require minimal irrigation, so native vegetation is always suggested as the primary landscape decor. Some residents prefer to install grass, others palms, all of which survive and thrive with a controlled water drip system. Native trees, such as the Mesquite, offer a shady canopy when mature. The trees are generally used along patios and deck areas to shade outdoor living areas. Though Mesquites grow efficiently and quickly, introducing a young Mesquite can sometimes be difficult due to high winds during monsoon season. Keeping a tree standing requires dramatic pruning until the root system is established. The trick to establishing a strong root system is to encourage root growth to spread as wide as the canopy. Therefore, an occasional water drip at the edge of the canopy is ideal. Other landscaping elements include giant boulders, raised planters, tiled patios and walkways, hanging pots, water features, and built-in fireplaces. Some plants explode with color at different times throughout the year. Bougainvillea glow in a vibrant fuchsia, Brittle Bush cover the open desert with bright yellow. Some native trees such as the Palo Verde also explode with a bright yellow, and cactus bloom with color temporarily changing the desert floor. Arizona has long been known as a citrus producing state. In fact, irrigated citrus groves once covered the Valley. Citrus trees are often a part of a homeowners landscape. Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Peach, and other fruit bearing trees, with ample water, are successful producers of juicy, tangy fruit. Annual flowers often grace the pots and planters of office complexes, resorts, and patio decor, adding a variety of color and fragrances.
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