Ah, the soothing sound of birds chirping, the gentle breeze rustling through the trees—a perfect setting for enjoying the serenity of nature. That is until the shrill roar of a leaf blower shatters the tranquility, leaving us longing for a moment of peace. While leaf blowers are undoubtedly handy tools for tidying up our outdoor spaces, their improper use can create a nuisance for both ourselves and our neighbors.

As the sun graces the sky and the mercury rises, many of us find ourselves drawn to the great outdoors. Whether it's for professional reasons or personal pleasure, working under the radiant warmth of the sun can be invigorating. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and soaring temperatures, especially in warm climates. With summer beginning its peak in the Southwest, it's time to prioritize our well-being by taking necessary precautions when engaging in outdoor work. By being proactive and implementing a few simple strategies, we can fully enjoy the benefits of the outdoors while safeguarding our health. This blog post will explore practical steps and protective measures that can help you stay safe and comfortable in the scorching heat.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of mental health and wellbeing. This month-long observance serves as an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote support for those who may be struggling with mental health challenges. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing mental health has become more important than ever, as individuals and communities around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges and uncertainties. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let us all take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and work together to support each other in promoting mental wellness.

By the time you read this, dense stands of bright green stinknet, with its striking yellow flowers, will have turned a drab brown. Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum), also called globe chamomile and manzanilla apestosa, is a winter-spring annual native to South Africa, but highly invasive in the Southwest. It was first noticed in Phoenix in 1997, and in Tucson in 2015.

Most, if not all, landscaping plants in arid environments require supplemental water to survive and thrive. So, making sure that drip emitters or bubblers are properly located near plants and that the irrigation system functions properly are essential tasks for landscape managers. But there’s more to it than that.