The OASIS GREEN Guide

Arizona landscaping doesn't have to mean rocks and one lonely cactus. I'm sharing the vines, shrubs, and agaves that bring real color and texture to Valley yards, season after season.

One of the wonderful things about having an outdoor water feature in the Phoenix area is that we don't have to winterize our water features like they do in colder regions of the United States. That means my clients can literally run their water fountains and water features all year-round. However, because we are running our water features non-stop here, there are a few challenges worth taking note of.

In my opinion, the best backyard designs are built to support real life—not just the way a space looks on installation day. Families change, children grow, and the way a backyard is used will naturally evolve over time. A thoughtful original layout makes it possible to update materials, features, and landscaping years later without losing the character and functionality that made the space special in the first place.

Whether you're taking the trash to the curb, walking guests to the backyard for a pool party, or simply moving between the front and back of your home, you'll likely use the side yard space several times every week. With just a little planning, a narrow side yard can become clean, functional, and surprisingly attractive.

A few years back, I sat down with a couple who couldn't agree on their backyard centerpiece. She wanted the sound of water. He wanted a fire feature he could gather around on cool evenings. Neither one wanted to give up their vision, and honestly, I didn't think they should have to.

After more than 30 years of designing landscapes across the Phoenix Valley, I've learned that the homeowners who end up happiest with their yards aren't the ones who found (or created) the trendiest photos online. They're the ones who chose a landscape style that actually matches their home

Most homeowners spend thousands on paint colors and front doors while completely ignoring the biggest visual feature on their property: the driveway. After 30 years in landscape construction, here are 16 real-project ideas that separate an ordinary driveway from one that stops people in their tracks

See how we transformed an unused Phoenix backyard into a low-maintenance, family-friendly space with artificial turf, paver walkways, and a space for children to play

Homeowners this year want their outdoor spaces to function like actual rooms, with defined purposes, comfortable year-round use, and all the amenities you'd expect indoors

Here's the honest truth that I tell my own clients and family members: unless you're a master gardener who genuinely enjoys spending extra time babying a finicky plant through 115-degree summers, you're better off sticking with what actually works here in the Phoenix metro.

Some of the most expensive backyards we've seen in Arizona aren't necessarily the ones where the homeowner spent the most money. They're the ones where every element works together with intention.

Watering in Arizona isn't as simple as "it's hot, so water more." After more than 30 years designing and building landscapes across the Phoenix area, we've put together the practical watering guide we wish every Arizona homeowner had. Learn how often to water grass, trees, plants, and cacti while avoiding the common mistakes that waste water and damage landscapes.

A well-designed ramada with an insulated panel roof can keep the covered area measurably cooler than an open structure, and the difference is something you feel the moment you walk under it.

Many Arizona homeowners invest thousands in their backyard only to discover it's still too hot to enjoy. From ramadas and trees to hardscape, airflow, and material choices, David shares what really makes a backyard comfortable and the common mistakes that keep it feeling like an oven.

After 17 years of artificial turf in my own backyard and thousands of installs across the East Valley, here's what I tell every Phoenix dog owner: the right turf, installed correctly, is one of the best things you can do for your yard and your pets.

A well-done front yard almost always returns its value in curb appeal and home resale value.

Whether you're dreaming about a paver patio, an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, or a full desert planting plan, this breakdown is designed to give you honest, real-world numbers based on what we actually build here in Phoenix and the East Valley every day.

When homeowners start with a clear vision, even a rough one, and build a realistic budget from there, the results are almost always better.

Small yards succeed when every foot is used with purpose.

In Arizona, spring evenings are some of the most valuable real estate you own. The right landscape lighting makes sure you're actually using them.

Knowing what you want is not the same as having a buildable, site-specific custom landscape design.

There's something incredibly satisfying about walking out to your backyard on a winter morning and picking fresh oranges, lemons, or grapefruit for breakfast. The scent of citrus blossoms in spring is unbeatable. And once your trees are established (usually by year three or four), they're actually pretty low-maintenance and will produce for decades.

Fall is absolutely the sweet spot for getting new plants established in our Arizona desert climate which is why it's one of our busiest times of year. The beauty of fall planting in Arizona comes down to timing and temperature.

One question I consistently get from new transplants- and increasingly from established homeowners- is whether they should choose real grass or artificial turf.