U.S. Water News Online
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) in the College of Agriculture at the University of Arizona in Tucson recently developed a multi-media CD-ROM to provide quick and easy access to desert landscaping information.
Desert Landscaping: Plants for a Water-Scarce Environment is a multi-media CD-ROM plant selector that lets users browse through award-winning gardens and landscapes, and pick from more than 600 low water-use plants that adapt perfectly to desert and drought conditions.
Funded by the Tucson office of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Desert Landscaping features more than 1,500 full-screen color photos, including wide shots and close-ups of plants. An audio feature provides pronunciations of both the botanical and common names of plants.
Users can compare groups of similar plants through a plant selector, which suggests appropriate species based on size and growth rate, soil and sun requirements, irrigation needs, the plant's place of origin, allergens, wildlife interactions, and dozens of other useful categories. Links to landscaping tips and an illustrated bibliography of plant books are also provided.
Gray Woodard, WRRC associate director and project manager for Desert Landscaping, said the CD-ROM uses cutting edge technology to make useful information more available for those interested in xeriscaping. Woodard adds that the CD's plant database may be the most comprehensive of its kind.
Woodard said Desert Landscaping will be available through local nurseries, botanical gardens, and gift shops. Public kiosks with touch-screens are also planned.
The CD-ROM can be purchased for $25, which includes shipping, from the Water Resources Research Center, The University of Arizona, 350 N. Campbell, Tucson, Arizona 85721, or call (520) 792-8518.
Return to the U.S.
Water News Archives page
Or
Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage