Choosing Low-water Plants - Xeriscape

In most parts of Arizona water is a precious commodity, making xeriscaping or xerigardening an essential part of successful gardening in Arizona.  Here are a few ideas that can get you started on that low-water garden.

Indigenous or native plants will likely need less supplemental moisture most years than non-native species. The native species have evolved under the local conditions and usually have well developed mechanisms for surviving extremes in the weather.  In addition to being well adapted, native plants can be some of the most beautiful highlights of your garden.

This doesn’t mean you’re limited to native plants or your typical low-water plants such as cacti, succulents or narrow leafed evergreens.  There are plants found growing in coastal or mountainous regions that have developed mechanisms for dealing with extremely sandy, excessively well-drained soils, or rocky cold soils in which moisture is limited for months at a time. 

There are also many herbs that adapt well to our arid conditions and are beautiful as accents or centerpieces of your garden.

Some plants adapted to sunny, dry conditions are: Yucca gloriosa, Broom, Yarrow, Nasturtium, California Poppy, Blanket flower, Sedum, Gold Dust (Alyssum), Moss Rose (Portulaca), Juniper, Artemisia, Lavender, Sage, Iris, Thyme, Crocus, and Evening Primrose.

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Superstition Mountain Lore

As long as people have been living in and around the Superstitions, they have been telling stories about the mountains.  It seems that no matter who has lived here, the mountains have added the elements of mystery, magic and wonder to their lives as well as to the stories they tell.

The Hopi believe that there was an earth-cleansing flood in the early days of the world, and that the “Ark” of the faithful came to rest on top of these mountains after that flood.

The Apache refer to these mountains as being the “home of the Thunder God”, and believe that they are sacred to this day.

The Pima, who believe that their entire race, with the exception of one hunting party, was destroyed as punishment for their pride, see the mountain as the place that the spirits of the dead are kept, and as a wall between them and the riches that were left for them by the creators of their world.

The Spaniards, who were some of the first new world explorers of this area, are believed to have mined in these mountains in search of Gold.

That same gold is said to have been the source of the mountain’s most famous legend. 

The “Lost Dutchman” mine of Jacob Waltz has been the source of at least a hundred books, and still attracts miners, historians and mystery fans to the area.

Modern people come here in search of a wide variety of things as well.  Some come for the unbelievable hiking and views, some for the sense of history in the area, or for the great food and recreation that is available nearby, and some still search for the lost gold that is said to lie “up there” somewhere.

So whether you’re here to visit, still looking for a great destination, or if you’re already here to stay, I’m sure the mountain will leave you with a story or two to tell!

If you have a favorite legend, or if you have a story to pass on, (or if you know where the mine is!) drop us a line at news@allynassociates.com
and we’ll get right on it! 

Important Questions to Ask an Agent

When you’re looking for someone to represent you in a real estate transaction, you need to find someone you can trust. You need to find someone that’s on your side, and someone that has your best interest at heart. To help with this process we’ve listed a few questions to consider when choosing an Agent to represent you.

• Do you have an active real estate license in good standing?
• How long have you been licensed as an agent?
• Why do you think I should list or buy with you?
• What professional designations do you hold? Are you a REALTOR?
• What party will you represent — the buyer or the seller?
• What services do you offer?
• Do you belong to an online homebuyer’s search service?
• Have you listed or sold in my neighborhood lately?
• How will you price or comp my home?
• How will you market or find my home?
• How will you keep in contact with me during the selling/buying process, and how often?
• What is your fee?
• Will you work with cooperating brokers?
• How will I know what is expected of me and when?

Important questions to ask yourself about the Realtor:

• Is the agent a good listener?
• Is the agent accessible?
• Is the agent part-time or full-time?
• Is the agent cooperative and enthusiastic, or rude and arrogant?
• Do you think you can have a good working relationship with the agent?

In the end it’s your choice, you should feel comfortable with the person representing you.  The right real estate professional can make the difference between a successful and positive real estate transaction.

Jim and Kathy are REALTORS specializing in foreclosures and REOs in Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, and Queen Creek. To find out more about Arizona Real Estate contact Jim and Kathy at jimandkathy@allynassociates.com

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