Interlude Community Landscape

In 2023, Earthwise Design was commissioned by the Interlude Homeowners Association to redesign the streetscape/landscape entry of the 108 home community within Southern Highlands, in Clark County, Nevada. The project was inspired to be more environmentally sensitive to Southern Nevada’s ongoing water conservation efforts by removing non-functional turf grass and replacing it with a xeriscape landscape that had more seasonal color and resources for native pollinators. In turn, the Interlude HOA approved the conversion of this land into a “Conservation Easement” that will be maintained as a drought tolerant landscape that will “provide a significant public benefit by protecting natural resources and water conservation”.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority recognized the Interlude HOA as meeting the requirements for its “Water Smart Landscape Program” by converting 2,879 square feet of turf to a water saving landscape and approving a $8,637.00 rebate to the community.

As follow-up to this Landscape Design, Earthwise Design was asked to start the conversion on non-native street trees in the community to more water conserving trees specifically adapted to the hot arid climate of the Mojave Desert. Through the two year period of 2023-2024 +65 Sweet Acacia trees have been planted within the community. Those trees are already producing three times the amount of shade on streets, lowering the urban heat island impact and in turn keeping the neighborhood much cooler while creating a stunning desert street tree that flowers with fragrant flowers every spring.