"8"^^ . . "2009-03-27T00:00:00"^^ . "5"^^ . "1"^^ . "0"^^ . . "Maybe its because I spent several summers of adolescent life landscaping around southeastern Wisconsin, or maybe its because I spent just as much time in trees growing up as I did on the ground, but for whatever reason, some of the first establishments I tend to explore when visiting or moving to a new place are the local nurseries. From the very first day I arrived in Arizona, meandering down Hayden Road with nothing but a street number to a place of residence in my hand, Harper's Nursery caught my eye, however it would be several weeks until I would poke my head inside. When I did, though, was I ever surprised - and impressed.\n\nOne thing I've learned about xeriscape (the term for landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation) is that it isn't easy - but it isn't impossible, either - and Harper's is the place to go to learn how. Not only have they been around longer than any other nursery in the valley, they grow their own trees and plants right here in the valley which, for anyone that knows anything about planting, makes all the difference in the world for the survival of a desert shrub or tree. Their stock is acclimated to the desert climate, which you won't find at your Home Depots or Lowes, which allows for a much better survival rate once you put your acquisitions in the ground.\n\nTheir associates are absolute experts, there's a coffee shop on site, they sell the New York Times, and the nursery itself is part educational display, part botanical garden, part English Breakfast nook, and part inspirational oasis. Their landscape stock is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen in a nursery, and I guarantee you'll spend at least an hour, if not longer, learning about how far you can stretch a few $100 bills during your first visit. They frequently have unadvertised sales, and they're always willing to work out a deal. They do offer reasonably priced delivery services as well as installation services for those who don't want to get their hands dirty, too.\n\nJust a note: if you do buy something, make sure to buy a soil test kit and some soil preparation/fertilizer. Ask a few questions, too. They make things easy to understand, and you'll find yourself empowered to keep your purchases alive and well for many years - if not decades - to come."^^ . .