While the scent of orange blossoms filled the air, temps were up and down, with periods of windy and rainy days. The end of March and first of April brought us soaking rains of 1/2" and more to most areas. Expect a warming trend (after this weekend) now through June with low humidity, drying winds, and little chance of rain. It will be a critical time to provide irrigation as many plants are coming out of dormancy. Don't forget that many trees will be dropping leaves to flush out with new growth in the next few weeks.

It's still a great time to plant and make irrigation repairs. Find our checklist to Prepare Your Landscape for Summer's Sizzle!

Enjoy this beautiful time of year as plants put on fresh green leaves and a spectacular display of blossoms. 

Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years).

April 13, 10 am - 2 pm Celebrate Mesa and Mother Earth at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St. This free family event brings the community together to enjoy games, carnival rides, and great entertainment. Be sure to look for our special group of exhibitors in the Living Green Village north of  the playground. We've got 20 exhibitors joining us with fun and educational activities about gardening, trees, recycling, energy and water conservation, and more. Here are some highlights:

• Mesa Urban Garden will be talking composting & vermicomposting with worms.
• Our Earth Day Booth will share simple ways to make a difference.
• Visit with nature-inspired characters like our Earth Day Fairy.
• Ask an Arborist, Tree Hugging Booth, tree planting, and more.

Water - Plant It Wisely - Spring planting season is still here!

Check out our Water – Plant It Wisely: The Ultimate Spring Planting Resource! Dig into the benefits of low water using plants and landscaping. Be inspired by design ideas, plant selection pages, and more! Because what you plant affects more than your yard. It helps create a more sustainable future.

April Sustainability Savings Tip talks about Building a Sustainable Community and provides you with ten simple actions to make a positive impact on the planet.

April 11, 6-7 pm Summer Gardening in Arizona It is possible to have a productive vegetable garden during the summer heat. Learn the fundamentals to focus on for success during Arizona's hot, dry summer months. Presented by expert gardener and book author, Angela Judd.

Earth Day - April 22 Visit our Earth Day page to learn about the history, local events, and games. Also find our 50+ fun and easy ways to make an impact with planet-friendly tips and ideas – all available from the comfort of your home computer - no auto-emissions required!

Arbor Day - April 26 is a holiday just for trees! Plant a tree, do something nice for your existing trees, learn more about proper tree care to keep your trees healthy and beautiful. Our Arbor Day site has everything you need to learn more.

If you plant a tree record your tree and get it on our tree planting map at our Trees Are Cool page. 

April is Water Awareness Month, a great time to learn about one of our most precious resources, water! The site is overflowing with ideas, tips, and resources to help you conserve water and save money on your water and wastewater bill. Check out the Water Awareness Month site. Learn more about the Sat, April 6 WAM Festival in Phoenix.