Grayhawk: a Sonoran Desert home to vibrant southwestern living with an uncommon commitment to community.
MISSION STATEMENT
Grayhawk Community Association strives to enhance quality of life and community strength through inclusion, participation and pragmatic stewardship of human, financial and environmental assets.
7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy
Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone (480) 563-9708
Fax (480) 563-9709
www.grayhawkcommunity.org
Talon Guardhouse/ Roving Patrol (480) 502-7685
Raptor Guardhouse (480) 502-5078
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Stacey Harvey Executive Director sharvey@ccmcnet.com
Cullen Boswell Community Manager cboswell@ccmcnet.com
Jenn Sheets Director of Communications jsheets@ccmcnet.com
Ashlie Adamscheck Lifestyle Director aadamscheck@ccmcnet.com
Max Schwartz Administrative Assistant mschwartz@ccmcnet.com
Richard Dearo Facilities Director rdearo@ccmcnet.com
Rudy Martinez
Maintenance Lead
Chantel Martin
Maintenance Assistant
Martha Castaneda
Maintenance Assistant
Manager’s Corner
After 19 years at Grayhawk, it is with a full heart that I share the news of my departure. This community has been more than just a place to work –it has been a home away from home – filled with many great memories, laughter, and countless moments of joy.
I have had the privilege of building meaningful relationships with residents, vendors, committee and Board Members, and each connection has left a lasting impact on my life. The sense of belonging and camaraderie here is something truly special, and I will forever be grateful for the experiences we have shared. While change can be bittersweet, I find comfort in knowing that the friendships I’ve built will undoubtedly continue, and I look forward to staying connected with many of the wonderful people who have made my time here so meaningful.
As I embark on this next chapter, I am excited to bring the same passion and dedication to my new community, which happens to be just minutes from my home. While my day-to-day surroundings may change, the lessons I’ve learned during my time at Grayhawk will remain constant. Thank you, Grayhawk, for 19 years of unwavering support, kindness, and joy. This isn’t goodbye, but rather a heartfelt “see you later.”
Best regards,
Executive Director, Grayhawk
GRAYHAWK ADVERTISING
The Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) offers advertising as a service to our community and does not support or endorse the products, persons or services advertised in the Flight. GCA shall not be held liable or responsible for any misleading or incorrect advertising.
How Your Community Runs
Running a community with 3,784 homes and over 200 acres of common area is no small feat. It takes many dedicated individuals working together to ensure that Grayhawk stays viable. The Board of Directors, management team and committees all work together toward this common goal.
The Role of the Board of Directors
Both the Grayhawk Community Association (GCA) and Retreat Village Association (RVA) Board of Directors are volunteers elected by homeowners in Grayhawk to act on the homeowner’s behalf. The role of the Board of Directors includes creating and enforcing policies and governing documents fairly, overseeing finances, maintaining shared spaces, protecting assets and addressing homeowner concerns. The Board of Directors also makes decisions on taxes, insurance, legal processes, vendors and much more. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors are outlined in the governing documents.
The Board of Directors also oversees the management company, CCMC, which in turn handles day-to-day operations, oversees contractors, implements policy, manages budgets and enforces covenants.
Grayhawk Committees
In addition to the Board of Directors, Grayhawk utilizes various resident volunteer committees that help facilitate processes, programs, and more within the community. These committees make recommendations to the Board of Directors. All are incredibly vital in our work together to make Grayhawk a great place to live.
Committee members are appointed by the Board of Directors and many of the committees currently have openings. If you are interested in serving on a committee, you can complete a Committee Application at https://bit.ly/ GHCommitteeApp.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Meets the first and third Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
This committee is governed by the guidelines and standards set forth in the CC&Rs. The committee is responsible for reviewing and approving architectural submittals for exterior modifications to the properties in Grayhawk. For more information, contact Cullen Boswell at cboswell@ccmcnet. com.
BUDGET FINANCE COMMITTEE
Meets on an ad hoc basis
This committee works with management staff to review the financial status of the GCA and RVA and recommend the budget for the coming year. The committee also advises the Board of Directors on the investment of association funds, oversees the annual audit and assures that the financial procedures and processes enacted by the on-site management team and CCMC are correct. For more information, contact Stacey Harvey at sharvey@ccmcnet.com.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Meets the second Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.
This committee assists the Board of Directors in informing residents of the purpose of the Grayhawk Community Association, its activities and events toward the larger goal of community building. The committee plans and reviews ongoing communications efforts, including the website, magazine, email newsletters, and social media. For more information, contact Jennifer Sheets at jsheets@ccmcnet.com.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE
Meets on an ad hoc basis
This committee identifies, reviews and recommends potential community enhancement projects to the Board of Directors. The committee also oversees the Condominium Community Enhancement project. For more information, contact Cullen Boswell at cboswell@ccmcnet.com.
How Your Community Runs continued
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Meets on an ad hoc basis
The purpose of this committee is to help the Board of Directors and residents stay informed about new development in and around Grayhawk. For more information, contact Stacey Harvey at sharvey@ccmcnet.com.
EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Meets the second Monday at 3:30 p.m.
This committee assists the Lifestyle Director with developing the community’s social program, implementing and evaluating events and activities, and acting as an organized volunteer force to produce and facilitate events, programs and activities. For more information, contact Ashlie Adamscheck at aadamscheck@ccmcnet.com.
LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE
Meets on an ad hoc basis
The committee works to ensure that the GCA and RVA are meeting landscape responsibilities in common areas as outlined in the governing documents. The committee monitors DLC Resources’ work, making recommendations for improvements to the Board of Directors. For more information, contact Cullen Boswell at cboswell@ccmcnet.com.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
Meets the fourth Monday at 3 p.m.
This committee concentrates on operational and security objectives such as security post orders, roving patrol, maintenance and other items as they arise. For more information, contact Stacey Harvey at sharvey@ccmcnet.com.
Annual Meeting Recap
Congratulations to newly elected Grayhawk Community Association Board of Directors representatives Paul Alessio, Derek Moore, Don Morse and Arlene Smith. Each will serve a two-year term. In addition, congratulations to Retreat Village Association Board of Directors representatives Michael Loya, Don Morse and John Williams, who will also serve a two-year term. Thanks to each of the candidates for their willingness to serve the community.
Also included on the ballot for the Board of Directors election this year was a vote regarding House Bill 2298. It was announced at the Annual Meeting on March 19 that enough “yes” votes were obtained to allow the Association to maintain authority to regulate public roadways.
A big thank you to our sponsors for helping to make the 2025 Annual Meeting a success!
Did you know that Grayhawk Elementary School’s (GHES) new butterfly garden has four different species of milkweed and includes host plants for Monarch, Queen, Gulf Fritillary, and Pipevine Swallowtail butterflies? These plants also serve as nectar sources for countless additional species of butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, native bees, and other pollinators. In total, the garden now includes 25 different species of plants! A few may have noticed that some of the plants have been “put in jail”? A bunny had taken a liking to some of our plants, but we are hoping to deter further visits from “Peter Rabbit,” at least until our plants are a little bit better established.
This amazing makeover would not have been possible without plant and knowledge donations from Butterfly Wonderland, the Southwest Monarch Study, and Scottsdale Community College. We also received material donations from Home Depot and Ace Hardware as well as money and time from our PTO and Dad’s Club. Special thanks to GHES’s amazing STEM teacher, Mrs. Lindstrom, for making all of this possible! This multi-phase project turned out so beautifully and will provide many enrichment and learning opportunities for our students.
Thanks also to the many volunteers who spent a Saturday morning digging holes, planting and mulching. We appreciate them and our wonderful community!
Scottsdale Curfew Reminder
During the summer months, Grayhawk patrol typically sees an increase in late night activity throughout the community, especially in the City of Scottsdale Parks. For parents, knowing the city’s curfew laws helps make sure children are at home safe late at night and don’t have to experience an unpleasant contact with their friendly Grayhawk patrol or Scottsdale PD.
In the City of Scottsdale, it is unlawful for minors 15 and under to be outside unsupervised between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Minors ages 16 and 17 may not be outside unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. The City of Scottsdale park curfew, which applies to people of all ages, is 10:30 p.m. The curfew law applies seven days a week.
There are a few exceptions to the curfew, including times minors are accompanied by parents or legal guardians; going to or returning from work; or any reasonable, legitimate and specific business or activity, with permission by parent or guardian. According to Scottsdale Code Sec. 19-11, it is also unlawful for a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody of a minor to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control, allow a minor to violate curfew. If you have a minor in your home, please make sure you understand the laws and have everyone home before curfew.
APRIL EVENTS
Concert in the Park
Thursday, April 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Pl. and 78th Way
SCAN TO REGISTER FOR ALL CURRENT GRAYHAWK EVENTS
Join your neighbors for the first live music concert of the year in the Grayhawk Greenbelt! We are excited to have the Americana and Celtic band, Switchback, joining us all the way from Chicago. Their Celtic music is authentically Irish, and they are known for their powerful performances. Bring a chair or blanket to sit in the lawn, purchase food from the food truck on site and enjoy the beautiful weather! Cost is $3 per person and tipping the band is recommended! Register on www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Wednesday, April 9. A Special thanks to State48 Roofing for sponsoring this event!
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Place and 78th Way
Dig out the baskets and Easter attire and join us for the Annual Grayhawk Easter Egg Hunt. Kids will enjoy games and music, bounce houses, face painting and balloon twisting, crafts, treats and so much more! The Easter Bunny will even be available for photos! Check-in starts at 9:30 am. Hunt times will be staggered for the three age groups. All details will be sent in an email prior to the event. Don’t miss the most popular event of the year! Cost to participate is $10 per child and free for adults by Sunday April 13. Late registration will be accepted between April 14 and April 16 at a price of $20 per child. No registration past April 16 or walk-up registrations will be accepted. Thanks to Christina Rathbun with Launch Real Estate, Jeremy Mueller with State Farm, and OHM Fitness for sponsoring this great event!
Earth Day Adopt-a-Road Clean up
Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Meet at the GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. #102
Calling all volunteers! In an effort to keep our community beautiful, we are looking for volunteers to help us on this Earth Day. The City of Scottsdale will provide all volunteers with gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and cold water. Meet in the GCA office at 8 a.m. to receive instruction, and then we will start walking the trails along Hayden Rd north of Thompson Peak Pkwy. We'll walk approximately 1 mile each direction, a little over 2 miles in total after both sides of the road are cleaned. All volunteers 17 years of age & under must come with a guardian. This is a great way to complete community service hours for school. Please visit grayhawkcommunity.org to sign up today!
MAY EVENTS
Hawk Talk – Estate Planning
Thursday, May 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Talon Room, GCA Office
Join us while Carla Miramontes and Mina Kuper, Counselors & Attorneys for Estate and Probate, give an informative Hawk Talk seminar on Estate Planning and Real Estate Planning. This session will cover essential topics such as wills, trusts, asset protection, probate, and powers of attorney, helping you secure your future and protect your loved ones. Our expert speakers will break down complex legal concepts into easy-to-understand insights, so you can make informed decisions about your estate and real estate planning needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and take control of your legacy! Mina and Carla will be providing wine and charcuterie for you to enjoy. Register on www.grayhawkcommunity.org by Wednesday, April 30.
IN & AROUND GRAYHAWK
Bouquets and Boards
Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
GCA Office Talon Room
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a fun and interactive event featuring DIY flower bouquet building and delicious charcuterie spreads! Join us for an evening of creativity and indulgence as you craft your own personalized flower bouquets while enjoying a variety of gourmet cheeses, meats, fruits, and more. It’s the perfect way to show appreciation and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this unique and festive way to celebrate mom! A big thank you to Ardan Construction for sponsoring this event! Cost is $12 per person. Register on www. grayhawkcommunity.org by Tuesday, May 6.
Salvation Army Donation Day
Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
GCA Office Parking Lot, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. #102
Join us for a Salvation Army Donation Day, where we come together to support those in need in the community. Bring your gently used houseware, clothing, shoes, bikes, furniture, lamps, artwork, purses, luggage, games, and more to help make a difference in the lives of individuals and families experiencing hardship. Your generous donations will directly support the Salvation Army's mission of providing shelter, meals, and essential services to those facing challenges. Together, we can spread hope and kindness—one donation at a time!
Grayhawk Community Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office, 7940 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Ste. 102
There is no better way to give than giving to save a life! The Grayhawk Community is sponsoring a life-saving blood drive and hope you are able to participate! All blood types are needed! Although walk-ins will be allowed, time slots are limited. Please schedule an appointment by visiting www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time, type in our zip code (85255) and click on Grayhawk, or call 800-733-2767 for help with registration. You will register for a specific time slot when you sign up. Please remember to bring a photo ID, drink extra water, and eat plenty prior to donating. We will have some snacks and juice for those participating! Feel free to invite friends who do not live in the community to register as well! Thank you for helping us replenish the community blood supply for the patients of Arizona! As a thank you, all donors will receive a special gift from the Red Cross.
JUNE EVENTS
Ladies Bunco
Thursday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Talon Room, GCA Office
Join your neighbors for a night of food, drinks and Bunco! Never played before? Don’t worry! It’s an easy dice game- all you need to know is how to roll dice and count! We will do a quick lesson before we get started. Your $5 will go into the pot for cash prizes at the end of the night. Register at www.grayhawkcommunity.org and pay $5 by Monday, June 2 to save your seat. Spots are limited, so register and pay early! This Bunco will be potluck style. Each person will be asked to bring either a bottle of wine and/or an appetizer to share with the group.
New Homeowner Orientation
Tuesday, June 10 at 5 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Zoom link will be emailed two days prior to orientation. Join us virtually to learn a little more about your community and all it has to offer. Just for joining you will be entered into a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card, and if you answer one of our trivia questions at the end of the presentation correct you will be able to win additional prizes! Register at www.grayhawkcommunity. org by Sunday, June 8.
This movie is rated PG. Join Grayhawk Community at Harkins Movie Theater at Scottsdale 101 for our very own private showing of Pixar’s Elio. Please arrive early if you want to purchase your own drinks and snacks from the concession stand as the movie will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $5 per person and space is limited. Register at grayhawkcommunity.org by Sunday, June 22.
JULY EVENTS
Foster Alliance Volunteer Day
Wednesday, July 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 3110 E Thunderbird Rd Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85032
FOSTER ALLIANCE
Foster Alliance (formerly Arizona Helping Hands) is collecting clothes, shoes, toys, diapers, and other essentials for children in foster care in Arizona. Items can be dropped off at the GCA Office during regular business hours of Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can also visit our Amazon Wish List at https://amzn. to/43ihU4S to order and have items mailed directly to the GCA Office.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashlie Adamscheck at aadamscheck@ ccmcnet.com or 480-563-9708.
Volunteers and children age 8+ are welcome to join us to fill a foster child’s birthday wish list. The group will get a tour of the donation warehouse and office. You will then shop for birthday gifts in the donation warehouse and decorate/gift wrap the birthday gifts. Gifts and wrapping supplies will be provided. A maximum of 16 volunteers can attend as this is a structured volunteer program and offers a limited number of spots. Children must be able to independently follow instructions from Foster Alliance staff and are very welcome with an adult. This free event is a great opportunity to give back to our local community. Space is limited. Register on grayhakcommunity.org by Monday, July 7.
IN & AROUND GRAYHAWK
Happy Hour – Pitch at Cavasson
Thursday, July 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
18750 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Looking to escape the heat and meet other Grayhawk residents? Bankers Trust invites you to an evening of drinks, great mountain views and neighborly good times. Join us at Pitch Pizza - Cavasson for a fun evening and let’s toast to another Arizona summer! One drink ticket per person will be included. Space is limited. Cost is $5 per person. Register on grayhawkcommunity.org by Tuesday, July 15 to reserve your spot.
This movie is rated PG. Join Grayhawk Community at Harkins Movie Theater at Scottsdale 101 for our very own private showing of the new Smurfs movie. Please arrive early if you want to purchase your own drinks and snacks from the concession stand as the movie will begin at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited. Cost is $5 register on grayhawkcommunity.org by Tuesday, July 15.
AUGUST EVENTS
Old School Ice Cream Truck
Friday, August 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Grayhawk Greenbelt at 78th Way & 78th Pl
Bring the whole family to celebrate the end of summer and start of the school year with an ice cream treat from the Old School Ice Cream Bus. There will be no parking on the street, please park in the offices at Grayhawk parking lot located at Park at 7940 E Thompson Peak Pkwy and take the sidewalk path to the greenbelt. We will be giving out the first 50 treats FREE! Check out the Old School Ice Cream Bus menu prior to the event at https://www.oldschoolicecreambus.com/treat-3-menu
Christmas in the Summer Virtual Bingo
Thursday, August 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom. Zoom link will be emailed to participants two days prior to event.
Join us this month from wherever you are to play an interactive game of Bingo from the comfort of your own home via Zoom! You will have chances to win prizes like a $10-$100 Amazon gift cards. We will email you the link to print off your own cards at home once registration has closed. If you do not have a printer and would like to participate, we can print them at the office for you (local participants only). There will be five games total and will last approximately an hour depending on how fast the BINGO’s happen. This is truly fun for people of all ages! Prizes are awarded for each round and will be emailed to those winners. Wear your festive holiday attire and get entered to win the best dressed award and a $25 Amazon gift card. Register at Grayhawkcommunity. org by Tuesday, August 12.
Paint your Partner
Thursday, August 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Talon Room, GCA Office
Join us for a fun and creative "Paint Your Partner" event! Grab your partner, best friend, family member or anyone else and get ready to unleash your artistic side as you paint each other’s portraits. Bring your favorite drink to enjoy and we will have some snacks. It’s all about laughter, creativity, and making memories – whether you're a pro or a beginner, everyone is welcome! Come for the art, stay for the fun. Let’s make some colorful moments together! Cost is $20 per person. Register on grayhakcommunity.org by Tuesday, August 19.
Congratulations Class of 2025!
We have been lucky enough to watch many of the 2025 high school seniors grow up, and are excited to share their stories with you as they graduate and move on to the next chapter in their lives.
Wyatt Horton
Seniors, graduating is a huge milestone and your Grayhawk family is so very proud of you. All the best for your bright futures. The world is waiting for you!
Fatimah Amer
Fatimah is a lifelong resident of the Grayhawk neighborhood. She attended Grayhawk Elementary and is graduating from BASIS Scottsdale. She is very involved in her community and truly enjoys helping others! She is president of Student Council and Mona Foundation. She is also a National Merit Finalist, Arizona’s 18 Under 18, Arizona Innovation Under 25, and the Arizona State Champion of Education. She is the youngest Arizona Women of Achievement and first student recipient of the Stella Kiarie Innovation in Health Equity Award. She is an avid researcher with publications in Harvard, MIT, Johns Hopkins, McGill, and the United Nations! Already accepted to NYU Stern she is excited to continue representing her Grayhawk community as she awaits college decisions.
Wyatt will be graduating from Pinnacle High School in May and will be heading to Idaho State to continue his football quarterback career. He’s excited to play at the next level and his family is excited to watch him follow his dreams! Go Bengals!!
Nya Leung
Lauren Jones
Lauren loves country music, boating at Lake Havasu, roller coasters, traveling and her friends. She attended Grayhawk Elementary and Explorer Middle School. Lauren is also a member of National Honor Society and is graduating from National Charity League after 6 years of hard work and perseverance. Some of Lauren's favorite childhood memories took place on the GHES playground and park. Lauren is graduating from Notre Dame Prep High School and will be majoring in Biology at the Arizona State University Barrett Honors College.
Nya has lived in Grayhawk her whole life. She attended Grayhawk Elementary, Pinnacle Peak Prep and will be graduating from Pinnacle High School. She has played hockey her whole life both with the Kachinas Hockey Organization as well as PHS Hockey Club and is the Captain of her JV team this year for her senior year. Nya plans to attend college in either the Pacific Northwest or Canada. We are so proud of her and look forward to what the future holds.
Dominic Polito
Parker Keoni Morrison
Parker is celebrating his academic achievements as he embarks on an exciting new chapter. A former student of Grayhawk Elementary, Parker graduated with Honors from Pinnacle High School and will be attending the University of Pittsburgh or another university (TBD), where he plans to major in Biology. With a passion for science and a dedication to helping others, he aspires to become a doctor.
Dominic has grown up in Grayhawk since Kindergarten. Dom attended Grayhawk elementary, Explorer middle school and now will be graduating from Pinnacle High School in May. Dom played basketball, baseball and football growing up with all his buddies and has been a part of the Pinnacle High School Football program these last 4 years. He was blessed to earn the starting safety position his Junior and Senior year while making amazing memories with his lifelong teammates. When Dom was not playing football, he was a board member of a Christian club on campus, Club Impact. Watching how he and others have helped changed lives has been amazing. We could not be prouder of Dom with his strong faith and amazing person he has become. We know you will do great things in your life!
Tommy Woods
Charlie Taber
Charlie is graduating from Pinnacle High School where he played both football and basketball and was involved in Club Impact and Mentors. He and his family moved to Grayhawk when he was 5 years old. He went to Grayhawk Elementary School and Explorer Middle School. Charlie loved playing baseball, soccer and basketball in the Grayhawk parks and attending the holiday community events. Charlie will be attending Arizona State University in the fall following his parents footsteps in becoming a Sun Devil. His family and friends are so proud of the young man he has become and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Go Devils!
Tommy is graduating from Pinnacle High School. He and his family moved to Grayhawk when he was two years old. He went to Grayhawk Elementary School and Explorer Middle School with many of the neighborhood kids (with whom are all still friends to this day). Tommy enjoys playing basketball, watching all sports (especially UFC) and hanging out with all of his friends. Tommy will be attending University of Arizona in the fall. His family and friends are so proud of the young man he has become and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him. Bear Down!
SNAKES
In 2008, the Scottsdale Fire Department asked if anyone on patrol staff would be able to aid in the relocation of snakes within the community. At that time, the Fire Department stated that it cost approximately $500 every time their staff had to leave the station. Responding to snake calls also ties up emergency vehicles and manpower that could delay response to a fire or medical emergency.
That request led to select Garda staff members being trained in snake removal and since 2008, Garda has relocated a total of 1,980 snakes saving the city of Scottsdale an estimated $990,000.
In 2024, a total of 75 snakes were caught and relocated by Garda staff members after responding to calls from residents, saving the City of Scottsdale approximately $37,500. Jack Bitter and Dylan Kinsley combined to capture 52 of the 75 snakes captured.
If you encounter a snake on your property, you can call 480-502-7685 or 480-502-5078 and request an aid in removal. Remember that this is a courtesy service and can only be performed when time permits and staff trained in snake removal are on site. Snakes will only be removed when the resident that called in has been able to monitor the snake and it remains visible (not in bushes, etc.)
Revitalize Your Yard with Low Water-Use Plants
By: Kaipo Spenser, DLC Resources Field Manager
With weather changes over the last few years and extended hot temperatures, now is a good time to start planting new plants in your yard! You'll want to give your young plants as much time as possible to establish and build a strong root system before the summer heat sets in.
Before planting, consider plants that don't need a lot of water to thrive. Installing low water-use plants is a great way to conserve water in your yard without compromising on a beautiful landscape!
When discussing plants that don't need water, you may think of cacti and succulents. But plenty of flowering shrubs also thrive in the desert. Plus, desert-adapted shrubs bring seasonal color with a variety of flowers.
Low Water-Use Plants for a Dynamic Desert Landscape
• Baja Fairy Duster: A medium- to large-sized shrub that produces red, plume-like flowers (the Pink Fairy Duster is another great option!)
• Chuparosa: Also known as Mexican Honeysuckle, this medium-sized shrub produces unique red and orange flowers that appear tubular in shape.
• Bird of Paradise: A great option for areas in full sun, this shrub has distinctive, fiery blooms in red and yellow.
• Tecoma Shrubs: Often growing large and tall, different varieties produce yellow, orange, or orange-red flowers. Hummingbirds love their trumpet-like flowers!
• Bougainvillea: There are several varieties of Bougainvillea, and we often see these shrubs with bright, magenta blooms. Another variety grows blooms that are a softer pink.
• Chihuahuan Sage: This medium to large shrub grows loose, spiky branches and small flowers in light purple (sometimes white).
• Baja Ruellia: This shrub is small to medium in size and grows in a naturally rounded shape with purple flowers.
• Chaparral Sage: The Chaparral Sage is a large, fragrant shrub with purple flowers.
• Hop Bush: Capable of growing as tall as 25 feet, these plants make a fantastic natural hedge for privacy or shade. Hop bushes bloom in vibrant yellow early in spring.
All the shrub species above are on your Community's approved plant list, but be sure to check before planting other kinds. Happy planting!
To learn more about planting and caring for new plants, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/learning-center.
The Baja Fairy Duster has distinctive blooms that look fuzzy, contributing to the plant’s unique name.
