GV Gardeners: New desert arroyo to conserve water

Water evaporation in the desert is a fact of life. With much of the year having single-digit humidity, transpiration from plants and evaporation from fountains, ponds, and water features are common occurrences.

In the late 1970’s, Fairfield Homes built Desert Hills Golf Club including several small lakes to add to its aesthetic value. Beautiful undulating greens were interspersed with picturesque water hazards, some of which also served as reservoirs for watering the course. In 1984, the approximately 120 acres with nearly 6 acres of lakes were sold by the developer and became a private corporation.

Over the years there was discussion about the 40,000-square-foot lake in the center of Hole No. 3. It served no purpose other than its aesthetic value. When a liner leak occurred, the opportunity arose to rethink the lake idea. Why not drain the water and create a desert arroyo in its place? The 300 private owners of the club were quite aware of the need to better conserve water on the golf course, so this became the place to start.

Under the chairmanship of Larry Swink, a committee of 10 members began developing the concept this past June.

During the next two months a list of low-water, desert-adapted trees, shrubs, and plants was formulated. Using reference data, getting advice from area gardeners, and looking closely at the surrounding desert as an example, created wise choices. Although it was an ambitious schedule, in order to take advantage of monsoon rains, final plantings were to be completed by Oct. 1.

By the end of July, a contractor had been selected and an installation date approved. After each heavy rain event, Swink and his committee members would dash to the barren space to see the results of the downpours. As part of the course drainage way, water rushes through the base of what had been the lake. No problem… the rains simply brought in some needed gravel, unearthed a lot of rock , and Mother Nature created the necessary contours and berms.

With drainage issues proven and a typical rocky bottom river bed created, installation of plantings was completed in two days in August by chosen contractor, Valscape & Maintenance.

Among the approximately 100 plants, eight trees were installed including mesquites, palo verde, sweet acacias, and desert willow. Also now growing in the arroyo are blue agave, ocotillos, yellow birds-of-paradise, various types of barrel and columnar cactus, desert spoon, yucca, deer grass, turpentine bush, Texas rangers, saguaro, and several varieties of prickly pear.

These plants are all drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, and after established, should require little to no maintenance. To add to the desert look, 15 large boulders were installed, and with the contours and river-bottom rock, obviously a natural arroyo is in the making. More plants have been donated by members and friends, and the planting continues.

Because of the vastness of the area, plantings may appear scattered, but as the saying goes, “The first year desert plants sleep; the second year they creep; and the third year they leap!”

Aware that even native plants need supplemental water to get started, a volunteer water brigade has been established. The plan is to water every other day for two weeks, every third day for three weeks, then once weekly for four weeks. Trees and some shrubs have had surrounding basins built to allow for deep soaking.

According to plan, when there has been half-inch of rain, there is no need for additional watering. Swink and Greens Chairman Tom Ansberry, keep a close eye on drainage issues and plant conditions. On Oct. 1, the club maintenance department will take over the watering once a month.

A desert area that fits in with the design of the course has been successfully created by Desert Hills Golf Club and most importantly, it is helping to conserve precious water. Dale Kennedy, club president, confirms that members are proud of the new “arroyo in the making” .... done below budget and ahead of schedule!

Mary Kidnocker is a Master Gardener who writes frequently about the subject from a local perspective. Her columns are featured each Sunday. She is currently president of The Green Valley Gardeners.