Ocotillo

COMMENTARY

• A unique native desert plant with spiny branches called caines
• Fire-adapted nature contributes to habitat recovery, soil stabilization & biodiversity
• Absorbs water thru its caines rather than roots
• 11 different species including Boojum tree

Principals For Water Retention

• U of A Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet

COMMENTARY

• Contouring landscapes to naturally capture and retain water instead of traditional container storage
• Some cities mandate rainwater retention to reduce stormwater runoff
• Poor landscape grading can create “dams”, causing backyard flooding and mud puddling
• Shift from “xeriscaping” to “low water use landscaping” with diverse desert-adapted plants
• HOA’s requiring more shade coverage over hardscape to reduce heat

Pollination Pointers

COMMENTARY

• Planting pollinator friendly plants supports monarch butterfly recovery efforts
• Cross pollination is crucial for fruit and nut tree production

  

• Proper landscape grading and water retention help replenish groundwater

CALLER

• Linda says Colorado has a limit on rainwater collection. She asks does Arizona have a limit on collecting rainwater?