The lush, tropical appearance and majestic silhouette of palms can bring lots of interest, beauty, shade and much more to our Arizona landscape. We can plant some of the best-looking palms in our area, such as the smaller-sized Mediterranean Fan Palm, the elegant Date Palm, and an Arizona favorite, the Piru Queen Palm, to name just a few.

To Do List

Since the weather is sweltering in the summer, we are going to water our palms more than usual. Besides watering, feeding them with the proper fertilizer is beneficial, too. And, when it comes to pruning and trimming, you can do this all year. However, for best results, hire a professional.

Watering: When the temperatures reach above 100 degrees, deep water about 4 to 5 times a week. Keep in mind that tight clay soils that don’t drain may require one less time per week. Loose, sandy soils may need a bit more water per week. A great way to check the soil is to scrape the surface at least six inches deep with a little shovel. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water some more. We recommend drip watering or using a soaker hose with a very slow trickle so that the soil can absorb the water. Let the soil dry out thoroughly, then repeat the process.

Fertilizer: Keeping palms healthy-looking can be a breeze with the proper fertilizers. Moon Valley Nurseries has taken the guesswork out with our all-purpose fertilizers with the essential micro and macro-nutrients every palm tree needs to thrive in our desert environment. Our fertilizers are very easy to apply!  

Super Palm Juice: This fantastic liquid has Magnesium, which can keep the palm looking green. Palm trees love Magnesium, and it keeps the palm from being iron deficient. It helps increase moisture, nutrient uptake, stimulates root growth, and helps protect against stress. Apply this Super Palm Juice at least once every three months for spectacular results! This is an easy to apply liquid that can reach the roots fast!

Moon Juice: This concentrated liquid contains the three most essential micro-nutrients that every tree and plant needs – Iron, Manganese, and Zinc. Palm trees love this juice because it can help them prevent and recover from the stresses caused by extreme heat.

Moon Dust: This all-purpose fertilizer can be applied monthly for optimal results. It has the essential micro and macronutrients palms need to thrive in our desert environment.

Pruning and Trimming: Make sure you use sterilized equipment to prevent contamination and spreading disease. We recommend hiring a professional to do the job of trimming and pruning.  

Palms to Plant in Arizona this Summer

Summertime in Arizona is dry and hot! Humans have adapted to live and thrive in the Phoenix heat. How about our beautiful palm trees? Water is the most crucial ingredient for the well-being of palm trees in the desert. Sure, many of the best palms in our area can handle the extreme temperatures, but when it comes to water, they will need more than what mother nature provides this time of the year.

It’s never too hot to create a tropical paradise with palms. Moon Valley Nurseries is the grower of everything we sell so that they can be planted in our summer temperatures. That’s right. Our palm trees are grown in our local climate, so they have been acclimated to our local environment!

Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera): These elegant palms are native to the desert environment, so they thrive in Phoenix. If you are looking to add instant appeal and class to your property, you can do no wrong with these big marquee palms. Turn any landscape into a resort-style home! Line them up, and it can create plenty of shade, too. Our palms are certified disease-free and very drought hardy. Newly planted Date Palms should be watered every day for the first three days. After the first three days, allow the area of the trunk to dry completely in between watering applications.

Piru Queen Palms (Syagarus romansoffiana): These palms are super hardy and can handle the Phoenix heat with ease! Create a spectacular tropical effect by planting in groups of two to five trees in varying heights. We like to plant them around water features, gazebos, and patios where they add to the tropical appeal. And, if you have a pool, they do not have an invasive root system, so feel free to plant near sidewalks and pool decks. We know that the temperatures are going to reach above 100 this summer, so water them about four to five times a week.

Canary Island Palm (Phoenix canariensis): These natural beauties are prized for their elegant appearance. They are also called the Pineapple Palm because its crown resembles a pineapple. We sell Phoenix canariensis with diamond-shaped pattern trunks that add an instant and luxurious look to any landscape. These palms love the warm weather and thrive with full sun exposure. They are clean and very durable, too. As a bonus, they are very low maintenance palms, and we only sell certified disease-free Canary Island Date Palms. Plant them in groups for luxuriant tropical shade!

Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis): These are touted as being the hardiest of all palms. Plant them in the front yard as a focal point or poolside; they can create a tropical look to any landscape no matter where you plant them. People love them because they will rarely outgrow their space, and they are very easy to maintain. Trim them up to clear the trunk or let them grow into a shrubby form that can block unwanted views.

Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia robusta): These classic resort-style palms have a single trunk that looks spectacular when skinned to give it a “cigar-cut” effect. Line them up along a driveway and create a grand and formal entrance. These are local favorites and one of the easiest palms to grow. They are drought tolerant once established and can adapt to a wide range of soils. These palms are versatile and ideal for planting near the pool or as an accent palm.

Moon Valley Nurseries sells certified disease-free palms that are ready to thrive in our local climate. Allow us to help you create your dream landscape with the best-quality palms in the world!

We value engineer our products, so you get the best-quality trees at the best price!

It’s June, and here in Phoenix, it is often the hottest, driest, and sunniest month of the year. Yep, temperatures are soaring, and we can plan on triple-digit days for the next few months. Since it is going to get hot, preparing for the heat is essential. The good news is that with the proper care and preparedness, our landscape will take on the summer months with minimal stress. 

Below are some tips and tasks our nursery pros put together for the month of June. Keep reading to ensure a healthy and full landscape through the summer and into fall!

Learn the Tips and Tricks from Our Nursery Pros!

Watering: Though June is the driest month, we want to be sure not to overwater. We will want to water slowly and deeply, which is 5 or 6-inches deep. Deep watering allows the entire root system to become saturated. Long and slow applications are best so that the water can penetrate deep into the soil. Be sure to let the soil dry between watering. The best time to water is in the morning, between 4 am, and 8 am. Watering during these times reduces evaporation loss.

Mulch: Applying mulch is an easy and effective way of keeping the soil moist all summer long. Apply mulch around the base of the tree. For best results, apply a 3 to 4-inch layer of mulch. Doing this can help keep the soil cool during the hot summer months and keep the soil warm during the cooler days.

Lawn Care: Keep mowing your grass. A lawn will grow faster with the warmer weather. Try to mow the grass every 5 to 6 days, and do it when it is not so hot outside. June is the time to finish seeding Bermuda and warm-season grasses. Be sure to finish seeding by the end of June.

Protect the Trunks of Trees: Trees can get sunburnt, and unlike people, sunscreen will not help. We recommend protecting the trunk of the tree with a protective tree wrap.

Fertilizing: Moon Valley Nurseries has developed fertilizers that can help trees and shrubs recover from any heat stress. Visit your nearest location and any of our nursery pros will be glad to assist you.

Weeds: The heat won’t stop the weeds, so don’t let it prevent you from sticking to your weeding plan. Keep removing weeds and do it often. Most of all, be sure to pull weeds before the temperatures soar. We can use pre-emergent herbicides, and when applied, we can reduce the number of weeds that need to be pulled! 

Vegetable Garden: This is the time to start planting seeds for Armenian cucumbers, Cantaloupe, Muskmelon, and Sunflowers. Plant transplants such as sweet potatoes and be sure to water them both before and after they are planted.

Pruning: DO NOT prune citrus and other sun-sensitive plants as this can expose them to sunburn. You can remove faded or dead flowers from your plants. Doing this can encourage new growth. It’s a good time to remove any unwanted or vigorous branches from trees.

We grow everything in our local climate so that it is still a great time to plant certain trees and palms. If you are looking for shade trees, buy specimen size trees so that you can enjoy the instant shade they provide. Summertime is pool time in Arizona. Create a tropical paradise and enjoy splashing in a pool surrounded by beautiful palm trees that can make you forget how hot it is beyond your backyard sanctuary.

Our Experts Recommend Planting these Trees this Month

Crape Myrtle: We can add vibrant color to our arid environment with Crape Myrtle trees! These smaller ornamental trees put on a summertime show when the blooms start popping on the tree. Yep, right now, neighborhoods with Lagerstroemia are coming alive with flowers that range in color from pink to red, and white to purple. These trees love this time of year, and reward us with the beautiful colors that can make us feel good and make our yards look good, too! The show doesn’t stop. Crape Myrtle foliage will turn to a showy bright orange color in the fall. As a bonus, our varieties are mildew resistant. Look for Dynamite Red, Tuscarora, Natchez, Catawba, Muskogee, and Tuskegee varieties.

Ficus: Shade, it’s what we tend to look for when we are outside during the blazing summer months. Thankfully, Ficus trees can come to the rescue. These evergreen trees feature dense foliage that can block the sunlight! Proper placement around the home can help to reduce the temperatures inside a home. They have a beautiful canopy that can provide plenty of shade to create a comfortable outdoor area. These fast-growing trees are available as a single trunk, multi-trunk, and we have hedge columns available that can create one of the best privacy screens you can find.

Tipu: While we are on the subject of shade, we have to mention the Tipu tree. It is easy to see why these are some of the most popular trees we offer. They grow fast and have an upright growth pattern and a canopy that can create a large shade area. We love them in Phoenix because they can tolerate drought and can handle the hottest of summer days. It’s not just the shade coverage we love. Tipuana tipu puts on a show in late spring and into early summer when the golden blooms appear.

Vitex: These low-maintenance trees are the perfect size for any landscape. They are a favorite during this time of the year. From late spring and into the summer, unique purple blooms on long spikes appear, adding some much-needed color to our environment. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this tree, too. The trunk of the Agnus-castus (botanical name) tree should not be overlooked – the twisted and tangled growth pattern lends a grand appearance.

Date Palm: Create a tropical backyard oasis just in time for summertime pool parties and relaxation! The Date palm is a beauty, and it is perfectly suited for the pool area. Their wide fronds can provide plenty of shade, and they are virtually litter-free. For the ultimate look, we recommend planting them in clusters of three to five, where they can create plenty of shade and privacy, too.

Mediterranean Fan Palm: These show-stopping palms are front yard favorites and look fantastic around the pool area. We like to plant them in a location to fill in empty spots or between towering trees. People love how the trunks clump together, giving this palm a full, thick appearance.

Is your landscape ready for the summer? We can do some things to prepare for the summer sizzle so that we can have a beautiful yard throughout the hot summer season! Anyone that has experienced summer in Arizona knows that the daytime and nighttime heat can reach extreme temperatures. Mix in the low humidity and this combination can be hard on desert plants, and even the native plants of the Sonoran Desert. 

We asked our experts, and here are some things to consider. Think about these tips to prepare your landscape for the summer heat. Keep reading below, and be sure to Stay Cool!

First, let’s talk about our lawn.

Triple digits are right around the corner, and our lawn is starting to feel the heat. Don’t worry though, we can still walk barefoot in the grass. We are transitioning from winter ryegrass to Bermuda grass.

Mowing: Bermuda grass needs the sun to grow. For the grass to receive the most sun, it is a good idea to lower the lawn mower to 1-1.5 inches so that the sunlight can reach the grass. Doing this will help Bermuda grass come out of its dormancy.

Watering (Grass): Water the grass every 1 to 3 days. Also, remember to water deeply. The morning hours are nice and crisp, and the best time to water because it helps minimize evaporation and fungus.

Fertilize (Grass): We can give our summer lawn a boost using the fast-acting Moon Royale Professional Turf Fertilizer. Using the proper fertilizer on your grass is beneficial because it makes the grass handle the heat and drought better, makes it less susceptible to disease, and makes the grass more resistant to insects. Also, an adequately fertilized lawn requires less water and minimal maintenance.

Now, let’s talk about the things we should do for our landscape.

Shade Cloth: Placing a shade cloth over the tops of plants can provide relief from the sun. We like to place it over tender cacti or succulents as well as newly planted plants. A shade cloth works well over vegetable gardens, too.

Adjust watering schedule: The temperatures are going to keep rising and so will our watering needs. We want to be sure to water deeply each time we irrigate so that we can get the moisture below the surface. We want to do this because the heat and wind can dry out the surface of the soil quickly.

Check Irrigation Systems: We will want to check our irrigation system for clogged drip emitters and we will want to repair leaks.

 Mulch Roots of the Plant: Improve the soil and replenish organic mulches. Replenishing the mulch around your plants can also reduce moisture loss and keep roots cool during our hot summer months. You will want to be sure to keep mulch away from the trunk of the plant. 

Weeds: We can’t stress this enough – remove those pesky weeds! Why? Weeds can compete with your landscape plants for water.

Avoid Heavy Pruning: Let’s face it, the Arizona sun can be brutal in the summertime, so why would you want to prune the leaves and branches that create shade? Heavy pruning removes the benefits leaves and branches provide. Think of it as removing your large sun hat in the sun. It doesn’t make much sense! Only prune plants when necessary.

It’s going to be blazing hot before we know it. Get a head start on your landscape by following these simple tasks. Of course, some plants may not make it through the summer. Replant lost plants in the fall and take notes. The next time you plant, think about where you might want to plant them. Perhaps there is a better place in your landscape for your plants. Our nursery professionals will be glad to help you along and we can do all the work for you, too.

Moon Valley Nurseries has got you covered with the best plants for our area. We have a large selection of waterwise plants and trees that bring beauty to your yard. From shade trees to cacti and succulent, allow us to help you find the perfect trees and plants for the perfect spot in your yard.

It’s May, and even though it’s starting to heat up around Phoenix, we can keep our desert garden healthy throughout the month and beyond. Yes, summer is coming, and we know what that means for our area – it’s going to get hot, really hot! The good news is that we still have a few more weeks left to plant during this excellent planting season. We can plant the trees that bloom beautiful flowers and create shade! Blooming cacti and succulents can also bring a splash of color to our landscape. Spring colors are here, and we want the vibrant colors to last.

Keep cool outdoors. Once the heat and sunlight intensifies, shade trees can come to the rescue. Here in the Phoenix area, we can plant trees such as the Tipuana tipu, one of the best shade trees for our area. They can create a massive canopy of shade, which can provide relief when we need to get outside for some fresh air during the hot summers. Of course, shade trees can also help cool the warmer parts of the home. And in addition to Tipu trees, we can also plant Chinese Elm trees that thrive in hot and sunny environments – perfect for Phoenix!

We still have time to prepare our landscape for the summer. Gardening in the desert southwest does have its challenges and plenty of rewards. Our goal is to make the task of keeping our garden healthy and beautiful easier. We asked our nursery pros for some tips and tasks for a healthy landscape this month, and this is what we compiled. Read about our landscape and garden tips for the month of May below.

Gardening and Landscaping Beginners Guide (May)

How to Water: We always want to keep a close eye on the watering schedule for our yards. And with the temperatures starting to warm up, it is essential that we monitor the temperatures, too. One of the best things we can do is to water slowly and deeply. If you seed Bermuda and warm-season grasses, apply one inch of water per week. We will want to be sure to keep our deciduous fruit trees well-watered.  If you want more information, click here for our informative watering guide. 

How to Fertilize: The early part of May is an excellent time to fertilize our landscape plants. The temperature is rising, and this is the time when we notice that our winter lawns are beginning to die out slowly. Don't worry though because the summer lawn is starting to take over. We will want to fertilize warm-season lawns. As soon as the soil warms up, we can seed Bermuda and warm-season grasses. We will want to continue fertilizing our rose bushes, too. For best results, add liquid fertilizers to rose bushes every two weeks. We will also want to keep fertilizing our vegetable and herb gardens as needed.

How to Protect Trees: Did you know that trees can get sunburn? It’s true, and unlike us, lathering up our trees in sunscreen does no good. What we can do is protect the trunk of a new tree with a Protective Tree Wrap. Young trees are susceptible to sunburn and need protection when the temperatures rise. We also recommend staking both new and old trees. Staking is also beneficial once the high winds arrive. Birds love fruit trees, too. We can cover our fruit trees with netting to protect them from bird damage. It is also a good idea to put a shade cloth over tomatoes.

Getting Rid of Weeds: Controlling weeds can feel like a never-ending task. Keep to your weed removal plan, and do it often. If you are going to pull weeds, be sure to do it in the morning or late evening. Remove the weeds before it gets too hot!

How to Mulch: It’s heating up in Phoenix, but no need to panic. Mulching is going to be very beneficial during the next few months. Mulch around any area that receives direct sunlight on the dirt. We can apply mulch around heat sensitive plants, and doing this can keep the roots cool and prevent water evaporation.

What to Prune: We can maintain plant health by removing dead, damaged or diseased portions. We will want to continue removing spent stalks of aloes, agaves, and other succulents. If we want our newly planted annuals and perennials to develop more flowers, we will want to pinch back the growth. We can prolong the flowering season of our spring annuals by cutting off the old blossoms.

Vegetable Garden: May is the perfect time to plant warm-season vegetables such as okra and sweet potatoes. We can also plant pumpkin, cantaloupe, winter squash, and sunflowers. Consider adding a shade cloth for the garden.

Lay the Groundwork for Better Home Value with these Trees and Plants

Keep your landscape tasteful, and you can help increase home value. We can plant the trees that provide a comfortable space outdoors and add plenty of colors, too. Shade trees are ideal for creating an outdoor entertainment space, especially when it starts to heat up in the Valley of the Sun.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia): Our climate allows the Crape Myrtle to explode with vibrant colors! They love the heat and are one of the few trees that can provide summer color. Plant them in any size landscape, and they can decorate your yard with shades of red, white, purple, and pink. Besides the colorful show, they can also provide shade. Homeowners and landscapers will appreciate their low-maintenance features.

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia): This breathtaking flowering tree can bloom vibrant purple flower that can transform our arid landscape. Jacarandas are more than just one of the prettiest trees on the block. They feature unique fern-like foliage and a layered canopy that can provide some much-needed shade. These trees may look soft; however, they are very hardy trees and they can thrive during the warmer months of the year.

Piru Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana 'piru'): Plant this palm in your landscape and add tropical beauty and appeal. Our Piru Queen is custom grown in our local climate so that it is conditioned to thrive in our extreme weather cycles. These work best when planted in groups, where they can create shade and a peaceful feeling that can help you forget about how hot it’s going to be this summer.

Tipu (Tipuana tipu): If it’s shade coverage you want, look no further than the Tipuana tipu. When it starts to get bright and hot, you will appreciate the massive amount of shade it can provide! They can grow a massive canopy of shade quickly, and during the summer, they can produce eye-catching apricot-yellow colored flowers. Enjoy the great outdoors under a Tipu tree and take in the view!

Arizona Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans v. angustata): These shrubs can grow tall and wide, making them an excellent plant for fences and borderlines. They can light up your yard when the trumpet-shaped lemon-yellow flowers appear from spring to fall. Plant them in a spot that gets plenty of full sun exposure and let them grow – this is a colorful, low-maintenance shrub ideal for yards in Phoenix.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Veitchii'): Go outside, breathe in the air, and enjoy the sweet aroma of the Gardenia bloom! These low to medium-sized mounding shrubs produce sweet, fragrant blooms from late spring to fall. Their glossy, bright, evergreen foliage can add fresh color to our arid environment!   

Orange Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis): Add this beautiful evergreen to your landscape and enjoy the year-round interest it can bring! People love the easy-care attributes, and of course, the brightly colored orange flowers that are sure to attract all the right attention.

Summer is not here yet, so take advantage of this weather and take care of your landscape. Visit your nearest Moon Valley Nurseries location and purchase the things you need to take care of weeds, the proper fertilizers that keep your plants healthy, and the mulch that allows roots to keep cool and moist!

Be at Peace with the Perfect Plants

Creating a special place to relax can seem like an overwhelming task if you don’t know where to start. Our experts at Moon Valley Nurseries are here to help show and explain exactly how to create the most tranquil, relaxing meditation garden you’ve ever seen. The art of meditation goes back to around 1500 BCE and it comes from the Hindi traditions of Vedantism. Meditation is great for many reasons but our favorite reasons to meditate are to help relieve stress and clear our minds.

When you look at your backyard and see a pile of dirt or a dead lawn, that doesn’t seem relaxing to us! Imagine a backyard living and growing with beautiful trees, flowering shrubs, lacy palms blowing in the wind, and a beautiful water feature. Now that sounds like a relaxing place!

Where do you start? The first thing to start with is the perfect design. Creating your perfect meditation space is easy if you pick the right plants and lay them out properly. Start by building your area with tall trees and palms. This will give you privacy and create shade while reducing the noise of the outside world. Next begin to layer in tall flowering shrubs and dwarf palms. Doing this will add density to your garden, giving you the secluded feel you need to get into a deep state of meditation.

The final steps include using small flowering and non-flowering shrubs and ground covers to add color and vibrancy to an otherwise green area. To give you that Zen feeling, now is the perfect time to incorporate your water feature. Select one that you think has a soothing sound, nothing too loud that will be a distraction. Now the hard work is done. You can sit back and relax, clear your mind and enjoy your new meditation garden.

If you are not a landscape designer, that is ok. We have the perfect tools for you. The experts at Moon Valley Nurseries offer free in-store design consultations. We can even schedule to come out to your home for an on-sight consultation. Our experts will help you create the perfect Zen garden just for you. If you are more of the do-it-yourself type, then our Virtual Landscape Designer is perfect for you. Check it out here and start designing your meditation garden with our plants in your yard.

The Perfect Palms

Piru Queen Palm (Sygrus romanzoffiana “Piru”) – Tall lacy leaved palms that work best planted in odd numbered groups to create shade and a tranquil feeling.

Pineapple Palms (Canary Island Date Palms) – Larger growing palms with thick crowns and bases that look like Pineapples. These create shade and privacy while being extremely easy to grow.

Pygmy Date Palms (Phoenix roebelenii) – Smaller multi trunk palm trees that are slow-growing and stay small. These are perfect to plant around larger trees like the Piru Queen Palm and Pineapple Palm.

Sago Palm (Cycass revoluta) – Cycadas have been around since the Cretaceous Period and are living fossils. These palm-like plants are small with long stiff fronds. They work well planted with other palms under the canopies of trees.

Create Shade and Seclusion with These Trees

Indian Laurel Fig (Ficus nitida) – These evergreen trees have dense thick canopies that create cooling shade and give great privacy. When planted together to create hedges, they will block out any unwanted views and reduce noise, creating a private retreat.

Tipu Tree (Tipuana Tipu) – Gold blooms in late spring and again in early fall make this a perfect tree for a meditation garden. The beautiful color contrasted by green long, oval shaped leaves is a popular characteristic. This fast-growing tree provides shade and privacy, too!

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – These flowering trees come in many colors: red, pink, white, purple, and more! These are smaller trees with umbrella shaped canopies. Planted with palms and other shade trees, Crape Myrtles are a show stopper!

Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) – Large umbrella canopies and unique trunks make these perfect for a meditation garden. These thick trees can grow quickly requiring little care. Once planted, these trees become extremely hardy and drought tolerant.

Berrinda Ash (Fraxinus veluntina “Berrinda”) – A park-style tree with medium sized leaves, fast-growing, and easy to care for. Growing a rounded canopy, these trees are beautiful and have exceptional fall color. Berrinda Ash leaves will flutter in the wind creating a calming sound throughout your garden

Beautiful Flowering Shrubs

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) – Hibiscus have large flowers that come in many different colors: red, pink, yellow, white, and orange are some of the most popular. These plants can grow upwards of 4-6’ tall and work well with palms and other shade trees.

Lantana (Lantana camara) – Lower growing lantana species are perfect for a meditation garden. These will fit perfectly under palms and shade trees and towards the front of your layered garden. Many different color options are available at all locations.

Japanese Boxwood (Buxus) – Small leaves and a tight growth pattern make these a perfect addition to a space where you are adding texture and privacy. Green year-round and easy to care for are just some the plants characteristics.

Boxwood Beauty (Carissa macrocarpa) – These small, low growing plants have a white star shaped flower in the spring the pops against the dark green foliage. These small plants grow in a round shape staying close to the ground and look beautiful with colorful shrubs, shade trees, and palms.

Bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides) – A member of the grass family, bamboo comes in many different varieties. The best varieties to use in a Zen garden would be the clumping varieties such as Golden Bamboo or Timber Bamboo. These thick monocots create shade and add a different shade of color year-round.

Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) – Everyone is familiar with these sweet-smelling orange flowering plants. Their clusters of bright reddish-orange blooms are contrasted by thin, shiny dark green foliage. Cape Honeysuckle can grow 4-7’ tall and are easily trimmed to be maintained at your desired height. These could be planted in front of larger palms, contrasted by smaller ground cover or shorter growing shrubs to add a feeling of depth and tranquility.

Creating a meditation garden to relax has many health benefits. Clearing your mind and creating a stress-free environment can help reduce stress from daily activities. And, with the help of the experts at Moon Valley Nurseries, we can remove the stress of creating your Zen garden. Come in to any of our locations or click here to call and speak with one of our design pros. Let’s get you started on the path of relaxation!

Create a succulent garden and enjoy a colorful landscape filled with a broad range of diverse plants that thrive in our dry climate! That’s right. One of the best things about succulent gardens is that they do not require too much water, time, or much maintenance to look good. Their ease of growth makes succulents one of the most popular plants for landscapes throughout the Phoenix area. 

Another fantastic thing about succulents is how they resemble living works of art. For instance, Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire,’ is prized for its coral reef-like structure. Senecio serpens ‘Blue Chalk Sticks,’ is an excellent groundcover that can paint our landscape in a sea of blue. There is no doubt about it. Succulents are cool-looking plants with the bonus of being water-wise, fuss-free, colorful, and sculptural!

How to Care for Succulent Gardens

Creating a thriving succulent garden is easy. Of course, it requires more than choosing the right plants. We also need to be sure they get the right amount of light and water. Below are some tips on how to care for succulents.

How to Water: Yes, succulents do not require too much water. However, they are just like every living thing; they require water throughout the year. Deep watering is recommended. However, it is essential to keep the soil moist, but never soggy, as succulents do not like wet feet. Too much water can kill these plants. Once established, most of these plants can go for long periods without any water – water is stored in the plant!

Soil: Ensure good drainage. We can improve the soil by adding compost, sharp sand or pumice.

How Much Light is Required: Succulents love the sun and need it to grow. That said, here in Phoenix it can get very hot. We can provide some protection to our succulents with afternoon shade to shield from the blistering sun.

Fertilizer: In Phoenix, our succulents will experience the extreme heat and freezing temperatures of our desert climate. And while succulents are built to withstand these kinds of conditions, they could use a little help. The good news is that there is a Xeriscape specific formula made for our succulents, Desert Juice. This exclusive formula is infused with Calcium and Furst Liquid which can strengthen our cacti, agave, and succulents! Click here for more information on this beneficial fast acting liquid!

A Few of our Perfect Plants to Create a Succulent Garden

Agaves, Aloes, Euphorbias, Sedum – these are just a few of the unique species we can plant in our succulent garden. Where should we plant them? Arrange them like artwork! Below are a few of our favorite ways to create a succulent garden that is sure to attract all the right attention.

Sticks on Fire (Euphorbia tirucalli): It’s easy to imagine these stunning succulents growing underwater or in an aquarium. Of course, they are succulents, and they are going to be adding beauty above ground. We love these unique plants for their ability to complement a variety of other plants and landscape styles. These plants are one of the few plants that look better with stress. Through most of the year, they maintain their green and orange color. Once winter arrives, the tips turn to a fiery red color that you must see to believe!  

Blue Fingers (Senecio serpens): Also called Blue Chalk Sticks, these are one of the few succulents that are blue. Plant them as an accent color and watch how they “pop” when planted next to other succulents in the garden. Mass planting them creates a colorful water-wise groundcover that is bold and beautiful. The pencil-thin leaves grow upwards, and in the intense summer heat, the tips can turn purple. We like to use these plants to cover up a bare spot in your landscape with a “carpet” of blue color!

Blue Glow Agave (Agave ‘Blue Glow’): The architectural look of this specimen can make a bold statement in any succulent garden. Blue Glow Agave features a compact form that fits in any landscape. Their dramatic blue-green foliage is edged in burgundy and form a beautifully symmetrical rosette that can transform any yard into a spectacular water-wise garden. In Phoenix, we will want to provide this beauty with some afternoon shade.

Firecracker Echeveria (Echeveria setosa): As the name suggests, this Firecracker can make your landscape “pop” with color. Dramatic spikes of red and yellow flowers appear in spring and early summer, rising above the fuzzy, gray-green foliage. This colorful show is sure to attract hummingbirds to your garden! This fuzzy succulent is a must-have in any garden!

Aeonium ‘Purple Queen’ (Aeonium manriqueorum): Add a splash of vivid purple to your garden. What makes these succulents different is the way they grow. While most succulents stay close to the ground, this ‘Purple Queen’ can grow upright and rise above the ground. We love the large purple leaves with light-green, tight rosette center. As it ages, the purple leaves become darker, creating an attractive two-tone color that adds instant curb appeal.

Ask Us How to Design with Succulents

Take advantage of our free landscape design when you visit any of our nurseries. We will be glad to help you create a succulent garden that you will love for many years to come!

Is there a right or wrong way to landscape your yard? The short answer is no. However, a good strategy is a crucial factor to success. Successful landscape designs can increase property value and make our quality of life better. A study by the Virginia Department of Horticulture found that you can increase the value of your home by up to 42 percent with well-designed points of interest in your front yard! Trees can change your life!

Look at Your Property as an Opportunity

For many of us in Arizona, we may feel overwhelmed about how to landscape our properties. After all, we have the challenge of getting plants to grow in our hot, dry climate without using too much water. The good news is that we are lucky to have many unique native desert plants that can thrive in our area.

We can work together to create a successful landscape design. We can get creative and have fun designing our yard to how you want it to look. We do not have to stick to just one type of theme, either. We can create a colorful desert courtyard or even create a lush landscape in the Arizona desert.

Our warm summers and mild winters provide us with the perfect place for year-round outdoor living. Pair a well-designed landscape with hardscape features such as a pool, built-in grill, or fire pit, and you can create your dream landscape. Enjoy your yard!

Come Prepared

Get ready for your nursery visit and landscape design consultation by coming prepared. Take some time to prepare and have a plan. Get inspired! A great way to get inspired is to take photos of the yards you love! Drive or walk around your neighborhood and snap photos of your favorite yards. You can also bring pictures from websites, magazines, and books to show to the designer. Having photos is an excellent way to get the designer familiar with the styles, plants, and colors that you love.

• What part of your property do you want to landscape?
• Does your existing landscape pose any problems or concerns?
• How do you want to use your property?
• Do you have any special plants you want to include in your design?
• What is your budget for a landscape project?
• What are your favorite colors?
• Are you trying to block out any unwanted views or keep nosy neighbors at bay?
• Do you have any themes you prefer?
• Do you have any HOA restrictions?

Use our Virtual Landscape Designer

 Have you tried our Virtual Landscape Designer? This is our easy-to-use landscape design app that allows you to start planning your dream yard by using our drag-and-drop-tool. Upload a picture of your yard, and then drag and drop pictures of trees and plants into the spots where you want them. This fresh approach can help you have a better idea of a completed landscape project! Click here to try the Virtual Landscape Designer!

Nothing Beats a Visit to Our Nurseries!

Nothing beats an actual physical visit to our nurseries. Being able to see and touch the trees and plants you want in your landscape can inspire you. Once you select the perfect trees and plants, you can have a designer come back to your house. The designer will flag the yard and come back the next day so that the design is fresh on everyone’s mind.

If you don’t have the time to prepare, have no fear. Our landscape design specialists are professionals and will be glad to help you through the entire process. Best of all, our landscape design consultations are free at the nursery!

Copyright: 1xpert / 123RF Stock Photo

Plant a tree for Earth Day! Sometimes we need a little reminder that this blue planet we are on is vulnerable and that we have a responsibility to contribute to a healthier earth. Started in 1970, with April 22 being the designated date, Earth Day is something we can practice every day. We make it easy! Moon Valley Nurseries has trees available that can positively affect the environment! Celebrate Earth Day, every day!

Plant More Trees and Help our Environment

It is no secret that trees help the environment. We can think of trees as being the lungs of our planet. Trees create the air we breathe and filter air pollution. Plant more trees, it is one of the best things we can do for our local environment, and for our planet. Planting trees can improve our quality of life, too. The more we plant, the better!

• Trees improve air quality. Trees produce oxygen. They store carbon to counteract the harmful byproducts of fossil-fuel burning.
• Trees can clean the air by trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants.
• Trees can moderate the effects of sun and wind.
• Planting trees in the proper place around homes and buildings can greatly reduce air-conditioning costs. Reduced air-conditioning use means less Freon, which is known to have a damaging effect on the ozone layer.
• A tree can increase property value.
• Trees provide shelter and food for wildlife.
• Trees can make people feel good.
• Landscapes full of trees can relax us, as well as help lower heart rates and reduce stress levels.
• Trees can create shade!

Have Trees Professionally Planted for You

At Moon Valley Nurseries, Earth Day is every day. We plant trees daily! We custom-grow everything at our farms and nurseries so that they can thrive in our local climate. Best of all, we can professionally plant the best trees on earth for you! Below are some perfect trees to plant for Earth Day, and every day! Keep Phoenix beautiful, plant more trees!

Arizona Ash: This ash tree variety can withstand hot and dry conditions, so it is an ideal shade tree for the Phoenix area! This deciduous tree is seedless, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscape applications. Specimen size trees can provide a natural umbrella of shade that can create a restful spot in your yard. Proper planting around a home can provide enough shade to lower the temperatures in your home, which can reduce AC use and make our planet happy! Plus, in the winter, these trees allow the warmth of the sun to hit your home! 

Berrinda Ash: We love this ash variety for its ability to withstand the extreme weather conditions in the summer and winter months. It can grow into a near-perfect shape. You will want to have this tree planted in your yard during the warmer months – it can provide dense cooling shade! Homeowners also appreciate the fact that it is seedless and requires little maintenance. In the fall, the small, dark-green leaves turn to a vibrant gold or bright yellow color! Add instant curb appeal and improve the look of your landscape with a Berrinda Ash tree.

Chinese Elm ‘True Green’: Bring maximum shade coverage to your yard by planting a specimen size Chinese Elm tree! The wide, umbrella-shaped canopy provides a massive amount of shade. Homeowners in Arizona can plant the ‘True Green’ strain, an attractive semi-evergreen with small, deep green leaves and an upright, rounded growth habit that looks fantastic in any situation. Families love this tree as it can create an idyllic picnic spot for celebrating Earth Day every day of the year. It likes growing in full sun and enjoys hot areas, so it is a perfect tree for Phoenix!

Tipu: Your search for a colorful shade tree ends here! Tipuana tipu trees are fast-growing trees capable of providing plenty of shade. This beauty is quite useful for all kinds of landscape applications. Feathery, bright bluish-green foliage and fissured bark texture add to its striking good looks. In the spring, a coat of golden blooms appears, creating a picturesque landscape scene that is sure to attract all the right attention. These trees thrive in intense desert heat, so they are perfect shade trees for any Phoenix area property!

Indian Laurel: These evergreen trees have been a favorite in the Phoenix area for many years. It is easy to see why so many homeowners love to plant them on their property – they can add instant shade, privacy, and beauty! We like to use them as a privacy hedge to block unwanted views in style. During those hot, sunny days you will be running for cover under its wide spreading canopy. We also like to plant them near busy streets because they can act as a natural sound barrier. Ask any of our nursery pros about properly planting them around a home to reduce temperatures inside the house.

If privatizing your yard is a top priority, these five hedges of spring can help! Springtime has arrived, and the weather is perfect for enjoying our front and backyards. We can create privacy and make our home a sanctuary to keep spying neighbors at bay. Best of all, we can create a private area without sacrificing beauty. Sounds good, right?

Privacy Hedges for Yards in Arizona this Spring

Privacy hedges are always going to be a welcome addition to yards in Arizona. We can plant hedges to block unwanted views, and many are ideal sound barriers. As a bonus, these hedges of spring can bring lots of color and shade to our arid environment. Adding a fence is always an option. However, a natural solution for privacy can also increase property value and is good for the environment.

Below Are Our Top Hedges for Spring Planting

Indian Laurel Column: These fast-growing privacy hedges are evergreen so they can keep their lush greenery and keep your yard private all year long. These columns are ideal for our Arizona climate – they are water-wise and thrive in desert environments! We can add plenty of greenery to the Phoenix urban desert, too. You know what else is great about these spring hedges? When strategically placed in the yard, they can create shade. Let's face it, in Phoenix, we can always use a shady spot outdoors. Add a green splash to your landscape and plant these columns to create an evergreen living wall for privacy!

Carolina Cherry: Keep enjoying your yard in comfort this spring, no matter how close your property is to your neighbors. We like to use this ornamental tree as a sensational privacy hedge to help keep prying eyes away! This hedge of spring gets bonus points for their outstanding ability to tolerate heat, drought, and wind. With their bright-green foliage and fragrant creamy-white flowers, it is easy to see why this is a favorite privacy hedge throughout the Phoenix area. Bonus points for their near perfect shape and little maintenance requirements.

Bottlebrush: It is easy to see why these hedges are a common sight throughout the Valley. They can bloom showy bottlebrush-like flower spikes that can paint a landscape with blood red and blue-green colors. Yes, bottlebrush plants can certainly add a splash of color to our arid environment, and attract hummingbirds, too. You know what else they can do? These evergreen shrubs can also create a colorful privacy screen when several are lined up along a property line. Plus, their compact size makes them an ideal hedge for smaller gardens.

Oleander: This hedge is super drought-tolerant, so it is ideal for any Arizona landscape. These can be used as colorful fast-growing privacy hedges with blooms that can add hues of white, red and pink colors to our yards from spring through fall. Hummingbirds love them when in bloom and we like to use them to create privacy all year long! Create a living fence and enjoy the beautiful flowers and dark-green leathery leaves that help to make this one of the best spring hedges for our area.

Italian Cypress: Plant these columnar evergreens in a row and create an attractive natural property divider. We can plant these narrow fast-growing privacy hedges in our yards to bring the look of the Mediterranean to landscapes throughout the Phoenix area. Is space tight between your fence and your neighbor’s home? Thanks to their tall and narrow growth habit, they can be used in almost any location. We can also use them as a useful windbreak to block high winds. Line them up along a driveway and create a grand entrance! Their elegant and classy appearance makes them a landscaping favorite!

Spring has arrived, and it is the perfect time to start planting beautiful trees. The warmer weather and longer days have awoken our trees of spring. Trees can create a better living environment, add greenery to our arid environment, and offer respite from the heat. Trees will always be a welcome addition to the Arizona landscape. The temperatures are already starting to rise, and we are going to want to find a nice place to chill - and what better place than under a shade tree!

Trees of Spring Provide Shade, Privacy, and Beauty!

Shade trees and privacy trees – these types of trees can block unwanted views and create shade for relief from the hot sun, and they can also help increase property value! From trees for small spaces to drought-tolerant varieties, you can find the perfect tree at any of our Phoenix Moon Valley Nurseries locations.

Chinese Elm ‘True Green’ (Ulmus parvifolia). The ‘True Green’ strain we grow features an upright, rounded growth habit that makes it an excellent tree for a wide range of landscape styles. Specimen size trees offer a wide, natural umbrella-shaped canopy that can provide a massive amount of shade. Attach a tire swing to the limbs or climb and explore a larger Chinese Elm – families love this tree! They also feature camouflage-like mottled bark, which is an added attraction that helps to make this a favorite tree for homeowners in Arizona.

Raywood Ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’). These ash trees are seedless, so they are an excellent street tree! They can grow with a bold, round-headed form that can provide the right amount of shade, and if you want shade coverage now, buy specimen size trees. It is deciduous that can put on a show in the fall when the attractive dark green foliage transforms to a beautiful burgundy color. We also like to use them as a screen to block unwanted views in style!

Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina). Native to the Southwestern United States, these cold hardy and heat resistant trees are ideal for yards in Arizona. These are deciduous shade trees, and they have gray-green leaves that turn to a bright yellow color in the fall. Since they are a seedless variety, we like to use them as a street tree that can add plenty of curb appeal to neighborhoods throughout the Phoenix area.

Majestic Ash (Fraxinus uhdei ‘Majestic’). Large, glossy green leaves that stay greener than other as trees are just one part of its attraction. They are also seedless and low-maintenance, virtually pest-free trees! We like to plant them as an attractive street tree. If it is the shade you are after, a specimen size tree can provide plenty of coverage. Plant them to cool off hotter parts of a home or to create a resting spot to help cool off during those hot and sunny Arizona days.

Modesto Ash (Fraxinus velutina ‘Modesto’). These attractive shade trees feature a high canopy so that they can provide shade coverage to a large area. They can help reduce temperatures inside a home with proper planting - ask us how! This deciduous shade tree features glossy green foliage that turns to a bright golden yellow color in the fall and creates a picturesque landscape scene. They get bonus points for heat tolerance, so they are ideal for growing in Arizona.