The OASIS GREEN Guide

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.

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

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.

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.