Comments on: Our New Xeriscaped Lawn is Complete!

By: Karen Escott

Karen Escott — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:37:52 +0000

John - Great chatting with you at Stacy B’s Mardi Gras. Your xeriscape lawn looks awesome, and it’s a beautiful and practical solution. That’s so cool that you were able to use the expertise of a Desert Botanical Garden master. Enjoy!
-Karen

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 22:01:04 +0000

I’m thinking of having similar landscaping done down here in Tucson. How much did your project cost when all was said and done?

By: jenn

jenn — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:42:27 +0000

Looks good. I’m a newcomer to Phoenix (from Michigan) and have often thought the folks with all the grass lawns are just plumb crazy.

We’re renting a house that has been totally desert-scaped, but I still need to get out there and weed a bit. Now that the weather’s cooled a bit, that might get done!

It was nice to see someone local getting a bit of attention for a sane garden. Cheers!

By: hoseme

hoseme — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 05:43:12 +0000

I am sooo glad Rene stayed out of the discussion

p.s. I liked the old yard better….
jwl

By: Christy

Christy — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 23:57:46 +0000

When I hear about people that are so…….regimented? in their thinking, I always feel sad. Then I wonder–do they SEE it? And do *I* have any issues like that, that I don’t see as petty?

Scary.

Makes me wonder how big world issues ever get solved. Really.

(uh-oh…..I think my “issue” is turning a little lawn controversy into a microcosm of world peace. And doing it with EVERYTHING. Yikes. It’s a sickness.)

By: John Tynan

John Tynan — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:27:59 +0000

Thanks for the suggestions, the questions, and for following the story of our lawn. Our neighbors conspicuously did not mention this. I congratulated them on their garage expansion, but they could not find a way to comment on such a sea change with our lawn. I think it’s a real sore point with them. Too bad. We’re absolutely pleased with our new xeriscaping. We’ve even added a few more gnomes (we’re up to five).

By: Strangeite

Strangeite — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 22:27:23 +0000

I am curious, what do your neighbors think of the new lawn?

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:02:39 +0000

Please don’t think I’m criticizing but just to input that if rainharvesting principles had been applied it might be a bit better. Using little hills and depressions in key spots could have created a friendlier area for plants and a better use of what water comes your way. Brad Lancasters book “Harvesting Rainwater” is good and I believe he has a web page as well. He lives in Tucson and is practicing what he preaches.

By: danno

danno — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 21:02:20 +0000

I read your posts and the NPR article … and I must say, “Hats off to you.”

In South Florida, we have the same type of people as your neighbors… it sickens me.

When are we going to realize as a community that we belong to the environment… and not the other way around?

Keep up the good work, and like another commenter suggested… aim some gnomes in their direction, their beady little eyes staring them down every time the come outside.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:31:38 +0000

What a brilliant plan! Your yard is lovely (more photos, please!), and it is one fantastic example of a way to avoid the waste of water. I applaud your creativity in sticking to your neighbors and to “the man.”

The grass-prioritizing, hypocritical (interesting how cities set water use limits, yet expect precious lawns), water-abusing man, that is.