Spring has sprung, and it's now a great time to start sprucing up your Tucson yard with a gardening project. But given that we live in such a dry climate, the type of plants you select is important to not just your yard but the water conservation efforts of our area. As summer approaches, it is essential to plan and prepare for the extreme heat that comes with it. Here are some ideas for gardening in the Southwest and tips to protect your plants from the sun.

Trees

One of the best trees for a low-maintenance, fast-growing, and drought-tolerant landscape is the Tipu tree. With its golden blooms, soft-green foliage, and cinnamon-colored bark, it is an attractive focal point in any yard. Another great option is the Vitex tree, also known as the Desert Lilac, which adds robust, drought-tolerant color to your landscape with its long spires of purple flowers.

Hedges

For hedges, the Hopseed is a popular choice in water-conscious landscaping, featuring lush, evergreen foliage and a quick growth rate that makes it an excellent privacy screen in almost any yard. Lantana, a sun-loving shrub with a huge range of colors, can be used as an accent shrub or as a trailing or mounding ground cover.

Succulents

Yucca plants offer a wispy, grass-like appearance with colorful flowers or structured, tree-like forms that add a tropical flair to your landscape. Agaves come in various shapes and patterns, each allowing you to add a bit of natural art to your yard. Cacti, with their unique shapes and colors, are perfect for water-wise gardening and allow you to create patterns and clusters throughout the landscape.

Protect your plants from extreme heat with adequate water early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not as intense. Mulching around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water needs.

Gardening in Tucson can be challenging, but with the right plants and techniques, it can be a rewarding and beautiful experience. Incorporating drought-resistant plants like into your landscape will help you create a water-wise garden that is both sustainable and stunning.