By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team In these present times, the moving trend in improving people’s lives includes updating their place. This mainly a few parts of the house, as they are the most frequented parts of various houses. Most people improve themselves and their own standards in a variety of ways. If they reside in the area east of Phoenix they can make their wishes with a neighborhood Scottsdale home improvement service. Of all the remodeling jobs done each and every year, a lot involve the kitchens; since they are the center of attention. This is due to that they can add a huge additional value in a house. Hence, searching for a Scottsdale kitchen remodeling professional is important to them. But, don’t forget about on getting a handyman that can also do Scottsdale bathroom remodeling also; that is, if you are also including that with the renovations. A variety companies will give you a good deal if you combine both projects. Though, when it comes down to you trying to look for some help with Scottsdale home improvement, there are a couple of points for you to never forget. One thing to point out is who do you get to work on your place and which people should you never hire to remodel your residence? Reading your city’s paper could be a fine option. A variety them show off their services to the public by displaying their work in addition to offering a negotiable price. Though, that could not be enough for your home. Some services can only do one like Scottsdale bathroom remodeling. If have done your work and found the best service to do the repairs for you, you need to know an important thing, the price. Some quotes are negotiable while other places have a set cost for their services. Thus, before you agree with their price for any Scottsdale kitchen remodeling, you should contemplate on your options. When it is all done, you can sit back and let them do the work for you. No need to be concerned over any Scottsdale bathroom remodeling details or any troubling things in upgrading the kitchen. Let the right people take care of the work. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team You might be surprised at how easy it is to approach backyard birds, especially if they are accustomed to seeing people in the yard while they feed or bathe. Practice easing into position close to your feeders and remain still until the birds return. Bird photography is both fun and challenging, but it requires a modicum of patience. Learn to judge light and use it to your advantage. Morning and evening light is soft and pleasing to the eye as opposed to harsh mid-day sunlight. In open shade, use an electronic flash. If possible, turn it down just a bit from full power and use it to fill in shadow areas and provide a “catchlight” in the bird’s eye. Be conscious of getting distracting background clutter in your photographs. Often, just one step to the left or right may yield a smooth, colorful background. Compose the bird; leaving room for him to look, fly or walk into the picture without being cramped in the frame. A songbird is a small target, so practice working in as closely as possible to your subject. Do not become discouraged if at first you do not produce many good images. The more experience you have the better your images will turn out. Professional bird photographers use a variety of techniques and tricks, and you can apply some of them in your own backyard. Strategically place your feeders and birdbath close to bushes and trees, behind which you can hide. Place carefully selected natural landing perches, such as a potted shrub with red berries near them, and catch the birds as they light on the perches before they head to the food or water. Use a blind or natural lean-to to break up your silhouette. Avoid fast, jerky movement, and if you must move, take short, slow steps. Watch your nesting birds and note when they begin bringing food back to the nest site. Without disturbing the birds or in any way disrupting their activity, hide somewhere along the return path. You will be rewarded with images of parents with prey and, in some cases, parents feeding fledglings near the nest. Never remove vegetation to photograph birds at a nest, as such action may allow too much sunlight or predators to reach the nest – either can be fatal to young birds. Backyard bird photography is a rewarding personal experience, and it indirectly serves to benefit nature. Providing habitat, housing, food and water to the birds in your yard is more than a benevolent gesture. It fosters a sense of sharing, encouragement to improve our natural environment, and compassion for animals. And besides, it is just plain fun! Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Do you ever worry about how you are going to entertain the huge group of friends and family you have coming over for the big game? Is entertaining something you do on a regular basis? Do you enjoy the game of golf? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider having Scottsdale putting greens installed in your yard. Your house will quickly become the place to watch the game or where to have the next family get together because everyone will have fun in the backyard. Scottsdale putting greens can provide you and your guest’s hours of fun while practicing or just having a friendly putting competition. Why not make your house the place to be when there is a big game or event going on? Everyone will want to come over and you get the added bonus of getting to stay home if you prefer to not go out. Not everyone enjoys going out and with a custom designed putting green in your backyard, you won’t have a reason to have to go somewhere else to have a party. If you have been considering making a change to your yard, Scottsdale putting greens are a great choice. You can be involved in every step of the design process if you want. Many companies feel it is important to get as much help and input from the customer as possible so you can feel like it is truly your design. You can even choose the pin placement when the time comes. Why not have hours of built in entertainment in the comfort and privacy of your own backyard. Just think how great it would be to be able to practice whenever the mood strikes you. If weather is not great or if you just want to go out for a few minutes you can, and you don’t have to pay any kind of greens fees to do it. Entertaining will be more enjoyable for you and your guests. Another great benefit to having Scottsdale putting greens in your yard is that they are easy to clean and virtually maintenance free. So if you have a party and things get spilled or messes happen, you can just hose it off and it is taken care of.   Overall, the choice to have Scottsdale putting greens installed in your yard is a great one. They are easy to take care of, look amazing and will keep you and your guest’s entertained for hours. It is also a great choice because a great putting green will last for years to come. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team SMoCA brings art, architecture and design to Arizona to challenge expectations. We are not a museum filled with random selections of art from the past; rather we engage the thoughts and concerns of the present. The ideas that interest, trouble and perplex you are the same that artists investigate in exhibitions at the museum.  In the 2012 season, SMoCA presents artists obscure and fascinating, famous and acclaimed, humble and boisterous. Their ideas will challenge you to see the world anew. Wonder why some people are considered artists and others are not? Ever question why video art is not the same as television? Attend Peter Sarkisian: Video Works,1996-2008 in the summer to further understand the true aesthetic power and beauty of video. This year, we present SMoCA Lounge—a casual, mixed-use education space that allows us to provide the community with a wider selection of programs and events such as international art movies, music, and art making   Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA’s minimalist building (an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater) has five galleries for showcasing changing exhibitions and works from the Museum’s growing permanent collection. Global in its focus, SMoCA is a gathering place for experiencing contemporary art and culture. We connect visitors to dynamic art and ideas of our time and explore the possibilities of innovation, creativity and expression. As a unique and vital cultural resource for the southwest, SMoCA offers a variety of exhibition-related programs and special events with activities for lifelong learners, from preschool to adulthood. The tailored programs (lectures, docent-led tours, workshops and classes) are designed to serve as a forum for interpreting culture through contemporary visual art. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Enjoy the Cruise in one of these five ways: 1.  1 ½ Hour Narrated Nature Cruise During this 6 mile cruise you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals viewed from the decks of the Dolly! We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. An unforgettable vista of volcanic “welded Tuff” canyons and 1300 foot cliffs awaits you on CanyonLake. This awe-inspiring “Diamond in the Rough” is one of Arizonas’ best-kept secrets! This cruise is recommended for guests of all ages. 2. 2-1/2 Hour Twilight Dinner Cruise Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Observe CanyonLake wildlife as they settle in for the evening. Our dinner cruise route extends another three to four miles upriver from our typical nature cruise, allowing guests different views and cliffs in excess of 1200’! While the sunset, moon and the stars take you to a special place both mentally and spiritually! Whether a romantic evening of two, or a unique and exceptional setting for any occasion. 3. 2-1/2 Hour Twilight Astronomy Dinner Cruise Our astronomy dinner cruises offer all of the magnificence of the dinner cruise plus the knowledge and insight provided by our Astronomy expert, Dr. Sky, Steve Kates. Dr. Sky breaks down the solar system as you view the night sky aboard the Dolly. His mission is to encourage people to look up to the heavens with awe and curiosity. Dr. Sky will be available for questions throughout the evening as he interprets the constellations in a way that all can understand. 4. Special Cruises Caroling Cruise Join the Dolly Crew, Santa and a host of helpers for a 90 minute cruise as we cruise through the canyon. Sing Christmas carols, visit with Santa and more. Hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies are included. Children 4 and under are complimentary (as long as they don’t participate in the meal) Please indicate any non-paying children when booking your reservation.  Parade of Lights Dinner Cruise The Dolly Steamboat leads the parade of boats in the annual cruise. Complete dinner also includes: Grilled chicken breast, side salad, baked potato, vegetable du jour, dinner rolls and apple pie for dessert. Drinks included are iced tea, lemonade and coffee. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team The new Desert Belle is a 143 passenger, two level boat. It has a partial lower level air-conditioned section and includes two bathrooms and a snack bar.   Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been plowing the waters of SaguaroLake for over forty years. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 90 minute narrated public cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls, and dramatic desert vistas. The perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests. Private cruises are also available for an unforgettable wedding, birthday, anniversary, or office party. Whatever you choose, The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer.   Arizona’s Best Kept Secret! This relaxing, narrated cruise is entertaining as well educational for nature lovers of all ages! SaguaroLake is located within the TontoNational Forest, just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley’s hidden treasures, spectacular SaguaroLake. Witness the flora and fauna first-hand, as you navigate pristine Sonoran desert canyons. Watch birds of prey soaring high on desert thermals as you photograph breath-taking desert vistas.   Along the way, we’ll see:

• Geological Formations – The beauty created by wind and water over millions of years on the desert landscape
• Flora – Prickly pear, barrel, jumping cholla and majestic Saguaro cacti, mesquite, ironwood and Arizona’s state tree, the Palo Verde
• Desert fauna – Both predators and prey, including ring-tailed cats, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, javalina, bighorn sheep and deer
• Avian Species – Vultures, falcons, eagles, hawks and many others to catch your eye

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Indulge yourself in Scottsdale Arizona. A one-of-a-kind vacation pleasure. It’s a place to refresh, fill the senses and to test your adventurous side. Just imagine any desire and when the sun rises, it all comes to life. ScottsdaleAz is simply gorgeous, worldclass and passionate. Its purpose is to entertain you. Southwestern style. When it comes to golf, the Scottsdale area has no rival. Names like Troon, the Boulders, Grayhawk and Legend Trail come quickly to mind. Many of the highest ranked golf courses in the world are right here in Greater Scottsdale. Perhaps it’s the beauty of the lush green against SonoranDesert charm. Maybe it’s the 300 days annually of sky blue sunshine. Whatever the attraction, Scottsdale is a golf paradise that beckons visitors from around the world. Adventurous recreation in and around Scottsdale Az. Hot air balloon in quiet solitude where panoramic views are even more spectacular than below. Float the shimmering Salt River and its soft rapids. Bike the SonoranDesert trails, water ski SaguaroLake and glide the skies. Jeep tour into nature and ancient Indian history. The tour up Apache Trail is amazing and once was described by President Theodore Roosevelt as the best scenic view of nature in America. And if you enjoy gaming excitement, several local casinos offer Las Vegas style gambling and entertainment. In Scottsdale there’s always a new way to enjoy Arizona pleasure. When the shopping urge strikes, head to Scottsdale. Shopping is worldclass and abundant. Discover more than 125 famous art galleries where you’ll be amazed with the finest paintings, sculptures and unique creations. The boutiques along 5th Avenue in downtown Scottsdale will entertain your urge for hours. Big and little store shopping can be enjoyed at Scottsdale Fashion Square with its endless shops and delightful restaurants. For the unique experience try the Bogotá of Scottsdale designed with Old Italian flavor. Or the Pedregal Festival Market Place fashioned after Old Morocco. At sunrise, relaxing recreation in Scottsdale begins. Hike the tranquility and experience mountain and desert views. The stately Saguaro, gigantic boulders of natural granite and springtime cactus blooms. Ride the trails, see the sights, experience the culture, golf in the fresh air or simply lounge by the pool and soak-in the sunshine and the quiet pleasure Scottsdale has to offer. At night Scottsdale really shines. Award-winning famous restaurants will tantalize your palette. A hayride to a cowboy cookout where you can gaze at the stars. Perhaps the theatre or a concert. A stroll in downtown Scottsdale. Nightlife and clubbing abounds with dancing and romantic adventure. And there’s NFL, Major League Baseball and the annual New Year’s Fiesta Bowl for the sports enthusiast. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Scottsdale Area Lakes. Sitting at the northern reaches of the scenic SonoranDesert in the Salt RiverValley, the Phoenix area is known for its arid climate as well as for its gorgeous desert landscapes accented by several small mountain ranges surrounding the city. Both locals and visitors alike often head to the area’s lakes to cool off and enjoy a variety of water recreation activities. The lakes are truly hidden gems, offering a spectacular oasis of sparkling blue waters in this desert landscape. Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is the smallest of four lakes that were created by damming the Salt River. What the lake lacks in size, it makes up for in natural beauty. CanyonLake is surrounded by red rock formations and canyon walls, providing visitors with a spectacular backdrop to savor while they enjoy a range of recreational activities on the lake. CanyonLake is conveniently located just sixteen miles from Apache Junction, along a scenic route marked by ancient cliff dwellings and the SuperstitionMountains From the Phoenix area, you can reach CanyonLake in less than an hour. Across the lake’s 28 miles of shoreline, it is common to see people swimming, camping, picnicking, and simply lounging by the water’s edge and enjoying the view. The lake is also popular for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and windsurfing, with easy water access at the full service CampMarina. The lake is home to a variety of fish including walleye, large mouth bass, yellow bass, rainbow trout, and more, making it ideal for a fishing trip. While you are visiting CanyonLake, keep your eyes open for abundant wildlife, such as big horn sheep, javelina, and deer. Saguaro Lake. SaguaroLake was also formed as a result of damming the Salt River. This picturesque lake enjoys a convenient location just 47 miles from downtown Phoenix and is set amidst the beautiful TontoNational Forest. There is a nominal entrance fee to SaguaroLake, but the fee is well worth the experience of spending some time on the lake. The beautiful blue waters of the lake sparkle against the pink and yellow outcroppings of rocks and cliffs on the shoreline, creating an enchanting setting for a day on the lake. The lake is one of the deepest in the area, reaching 118 feet in some areas. With its depth, SaguaroLake is often one of the coolest and most refreshing in the area to enjoy water recreation. The Butcher Jones’ picnic and swimming area and the Saguaro Del Norte Recreation Area are hugely popular places for locals and visitors to cool off on hot summer days. With over 1,200 water-covered acres, SaguaroLake is also popular for boats as well as jet skiers. The lake is a fisherman’s haven, filled with brown and rainbow trout, yellow and large mouth bass, walleye, crappie, and more. Visitors to the lake are often rewarded with glimpses of wildlife like big horn sheep, eagles, mule deer, and more. After a great day on the lake, the Saguaro Lake Restaurant overlooking the SaguaroLakeMarina offers exceptional sunset views of the lake as well as delicious meals. Lake Pleasant. Lake Pleasant is the largest lake in the Phoenix area, featuring over 10,000 water-covered acres and an impressive 50 miles of shoreline. This lake is just thirty miles north of Phoenix, making it convenient for locals and visitors to access. With much of the lake waters supplied by the Aqua Fria River which is fed by rain and melted snow from northern Arizona, the waters are typically cool and refreshing even in the warmest of summer months. With so much room on the water at LakePleasant, this lake is the preferred destination for those with boating in mind. It is not uncommon to see the lake filled with water skiers, jet skiers, canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft on warm days. The lake is also a top fishing spot in the area, with some of the biggest fish in the area angled here. Some of the fish you can find here include striped bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish, and more. Other popular activities at LakePleasant including tent and RV camping, picnicking, and hiking. Tempe Town Lake. Tempe Town Lake is a small 2-mile long lake. Located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, TempeTownLake is convenient to residents and visitors to the Phoenix area. The lake was formed by damming part of the normally dry Salt River between Phoenix and Tempe, AZ. This incredibly popular urban lake sets along the edges of Downtown Tempe and ArizonaSateUniversity. Surrounding the lake, you will find grassy knolls that are popular for lounging around and enjoying lake views as well as picnicking. There are also paved sidewalks around this two mile lake, making it a great spot for skating, walking and jogging. While small, you can enjoy a variety of boating activities on TempeTownLake, such as rowing, sailing, and paddling. Watercraft rentals are available through Rio Lago Cruise Company. TempeTownLake is stocked with rainbow trout annually and has a natural population of largemouth bass. The several small amphitheaters and the Tempe Center for the Arts on the lake. Several events are held at the lake during the year including outdoor concerts, the4^th of July Celebration and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade held during the holiday season. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team August in Arizona is the time when we all begin to wonder when the summer will end. Unfortunately, we have about two months left to endure. Monsoons clouds are beginning to build, the humidity is soaring and a few raindrops are falling. This month you will notice that your succulent plants are succumbing to high nighttime temperatures. When the night temperatures stay at 90º F or above and the humidity is high, most succulent plants can’t breathe. After several nights in a row, chances are many of them will rot. Other than careful watering, there is nothing that can be done. Birds are in abundance and many will re-nest if we have good monsoonal rains. All manner of wildlife are more active now, especially in the evening: snakes, owls, nightjars, ground squirrels, scorpions. Once in awhile an unusual bird species will be blown off course by monsoonal storm winds. Watch the rain activity around your landscape. Note the runoff direction, where the puddles form, and areas of erosion. Why? This will help you re-contour your yard for more efficient water harvesting. Keep note of the sun’s position in the sky. As the month progresses and the angle changes, you may begin to notice side-burning on plants, particularly cacti and succulents. Add small pieces of shade cloth until the days cool off. Look for flowers on your Texas Rangers (Leucophyllum spp.) after rainstorms. Also blooming are Tecoma spp., Guayacàn (Guaiacum coulteri), Desert-willow (Chilopsis linearis), Little-leaf Cordia (Cordia parvifolia), rain lilies (Zephyranthes spp.), Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii), and Baja Fairy Duster (Calliandra californica). The Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida) will be full of fruit. Leave them for the birds and other wildlife. Same with the prickly-pear cacti – let the fruit ripen and be eaten. Watering Monsoons bring humidity and moisture to the low desert. More and more we see periods of high night temperatures of 90º F and above during this time. This makes it a risky month for watering cacti and some other succulents, particularly aloes. Be sure to adjust your irrigation timers if we receive a good soaking rain. Mediterranean plants and California chaparral plants, such as Cleveland Sage and White Sage (Salvia clevelandii and Salvia apiana) can be easy to overwater during this time. Pay special attention to your container plants, particularly if they are herbaceous in nature as they may need watering every day. What to Plant Although fall is the better time, with the higher humidity we can get away with planting trees and shrubs now but not perennials. Monsoon crops such as cowpeas, tepary beans, Hopi red-dye amaranth, Devil’s claw and small gourds can be started. If you have tomatoes, cut them back; if you don’t, plant now if they can be provided some shade. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can all be started indoors from seed for fall planting. Pruning The extra humidity will elicit new growth on trees and shrubs. Minimal pruning should be performed during this month. Remove dead or broken branches and repair storm damaged areas but do not open up the canopy just yet. Fertilization Vegetables and herbs can be mulched this month. This is also a good time to fertilize your container plants. Problems This month you’ll see an abundance of insect activity. Mosquitoes are now commonplace throughout the Valley. Be sure to empty any containers, buckets, bowls, etc. that might catch rainwater as the larvae require water in which to mature. Cicadas are still buzzing away at this time and twig damage may be evident from their egg-laying. Ants and termites are swarming and if you see the mud tunnels of termites crawling up your plant stems, just wash them off. They are not harming the plants. Cochineal scale, that cottony substance all over your prickly-pears may also be active now. Wash them off with a hard spray of water or use insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew may also be showing up on your penstemons due to overwatering. Grasshoppers and aphids will show their presence too. The excrement from the aphids may cause sooty mold, especially on the Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata) and penstemons. They can be discouraged with a spray of water or insecticidal soap, but there really isn’t much you can do about them. Root borers are active and they’ll emerge around your trees’ drip lines but again, there isn’t much that can be done about them. Many butterfly and moth species are in abundance this month, particularly the Gulf Fritillary and the Hawkmoth. You’ll see the caterpillar larvae on certain plants but, unless the damage is significant, leave them to become the next generation of butterflies. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

By Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team Are you thinking about garden design in Scottsdale for the first time? Finding some free, novice-friendly garden design tips isnt always easy. This article will provide you with the Top 4 garden design tips for beginners in Scottsdale. Whether you’re looking to go low maintenance or use native plants that do well in the desert, the following information will be beneficial to you. Top 4 Garden Design Tips for Beginners in Scottsdale: 1. Make sure your garden design has enough drainage. This is the most important garden design tip we’ll be addressing in this article. Gardens do not have an endless amount of soil that will absorb any amount of water you’re give your plants or flowers. Even the smallest amount of water over the limit that your plants can absorb will surely drown them, and this can be fatal to the plants you’re thinking about cultivating. Make sure your garden design incorporates the use of trenches or openings that will drain excess water in the soil away from the roots of your plants. 2. Consider the use of synthetic soil in your garden design. Many gardeners often complain about the odor emitted by the soil and how it can make the outdoor environment less enjoyable. The soil has to be kept healthy! This usually means that you must regularly apply fertilizer (compost or manure) and the smell can linger for days, if not weeks. Artificial soil provides all of the same benefits of healthy soil without the smell. Artificial soil is composed of peat moss, vermiculite and perlite, all of which provide essential nutrients for vegetation. 3. Water! We’ve already talked about the importance of proper drainage in your garden design. But how are you going to water your garden? Keep in mind that gardens are outdoors and in the desert sun. Your plants are going to require a lot of water. Garden plants in the desert are often deprived of water given the amount of evaporation they will experience and this deficiency translates into a greater demand for water. Make sure your garden design is located close to a good water source! 4. Choose the appropriate spot for each of your plants. Of all the garden design tips we have mentioned, this one should take a top priority. Your plants should have enough space, sun and water to grow. The size of your location is dependent on the plants you can choose. On average, most popular garden plants will require an 8- to 10-inch diameter. Here’s some information about a popular desert plant that will make a great addition to your garden design in Scottsdale. The Red Bird of Paradise, also called the Mexican Bird of Paradise or Caesalpinia Pulcherrima, is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial. They are relatively drought resistant, easy to find, cheap to buy and provide lovely color during different points of the year. The Red Bird of Paradise is an evergreen shrub that enjoys full sun and has bright yellow flowers with orange and red centers that grow out of long, thin stalks. They leaves are fern-like and grow very quickly. If you are still unsure about what will work in your garden design and landscaping in Scottsdale, there are plenty of online resources that can help you. For instance, many local landscaping companies have expertise in garden design and plants that thrive in the area. Hiring a professional garden design and landscaping company in Scottsdale, Arizona might just be your best bet. They can work with you to pick out the best plants that fit your taste, lifestyle and budget – and they can even help you maintain it!   Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.