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Local water restrictions have been met head-on by Pardee Homes, which for about a year has showcased drought-tolerant landscapes in its model-home parks.

"In light of the serious water shortage in Southern Nevada, our company decided to be more proactive by doing the right thing right away," Greg Ray, vice president of landscape architecture, said. "It was a real learning process for us."

Desert gardens are central to both the builder's Vista Verde and the Nevada Trails communities. The gardens' designs were created after Pardee executives visited the Desert Demonstration Gardens, located on Alta Drive near Valley View Boulevard.

"We discovered four elements that make a pleasing xeriscape environment: a canopy of trees, various plant textures and colors, grade differentiation, and differing textures of rock and cobble," Ray said.

Klif Andrews, vice president of community development, said the results were impressive.

"The model parks at Vista Verde and Nevada Trails are truly beautiful and provide a great source of ideas for our home buyers, many of whom are choosing to incorporate water-efficient landscaping into their new homes," Andrews said, pointing out that all of the builder's future model parks will feature desert landscapes.

"We are in one of the driest climates on earth and we have to learn to live responsibly with restrictions in our water supply," he said.

In 2004, Pardee expects to open 11 new neighborhoods, including Acacia this spring in Nevada Trails.

The builder's landscape coordinator, Ron Reitz, said hearty trees and shrubs such as paloverde and mesquite are ideal because they can withstand the cold and heat of the desert. He also noted that although it can cost as much as 50 percent more to install an attractive desert landscape, the cost can be recovered in water savings and lower maintenance.

The model parks also demonstrate efficient designs using artificial turf.

Water-efficient landscapes are just one option available in the builder's LivingSmart program. Buyers at Vista Verde and Nevada Trails can also opt for solar electricity, fluorescent lighting, tankless water heaters, low VOC paint and central vacuum systems. Additionally, Pardee's Ultimate Family Home in Nevada Trails was designed as a showcase for desert plants, as well as for zero energy and sustainable construction.

The builder's Energy Star/ComfortWise package is standard in each new home, and is independently certified to be at least 30 percent more energy efficient than federal standards require, according to Andrews.

"Pardee's commitment two years ago to build only Energy Star homes was just the jumping off point to the earth-friendly and energy-saving ideas now being offered at Vista Verde and Nevada Trails," he said.

Vista Verde is located in the northwestern valley. To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 north to Durango Drive and turn left. Go to Oso Blanca Road, turn right, proceed to Severance Lane and turn left.

Nevada Trails is under construction in the southwestern valley. To visit, take Interstate 215 to Rainbow Boulevard, go one mile south to Robindale Road and turn right.

The sales offices and model parks are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday, when they open at 11 a.m.

Pardee has built more than 25,000 homes in Southern Nevada since 1952.

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