Gardening in Fountain Hills
The arid Arizona climate supports a wide variety of colorful native plant life. Native plants have adapted to the lack of water in the desert and require minimal irrigation to look their best so native vegetation is always suggested as the primary landscape decor. Some residents prefer to install grass, palm trees and other plantsnot from this area which require a controlled water drip system to survive and thrive.
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 relatively 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 but deep watering at the edge of the canopy is ideal. Other trees commonly used are Palo Verdes (The 'Hybrid Museum' variety is a favorite), Acacias, Texas Ebony, Ironwood, Cascalote and many more. Some such as the ironwood are extremely slow growers, whereas others (Hybrid Museum Palo Verde) grow very quickly.
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.
Raised garden beds have become quite popular in recent years. There are clubs in the Phoenix area that have perfected the techniques of growing many vegetables in the hot and arid summers as well as the beautiful spring and fall seasons. An automatic drip system is a must as well as protection from critters. In the warmer months partial screening is used with many garden vegetable plants to moderate the sun.