PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE DESERT IN TUCSON, ARIZONA

Much of the history of Tucson's landscape style relates more to the imported values and lifestyles of its immigrants than to any effective adaptational response to a desert environment. Until the 1950's, ideas of homes backset in green-lawned lots predominated, at least among the non-Hispanic population. In the 50's, the grass lawn tradition first began to be seriously challenged and desert landscaping became gradually but increasingly accepted. However, it has not been until quite recently that the Tucson public has become aware of the water restrictions inherent in their desert environment. If the Tucson landscape is to continue toward adaptation to regional arid conditions, local residents will have to make concerted efforts to educate newcomers who have yet to learn to be desert-wise in their living.