It's not easy being green when it comes to lawns in Phoenix

PHOENIX — There used to be two kinds of homeowners in this scorching city: those with dazzling green lawns irrigated by sprinklers and those with more natural backyard expanses of rocks, cactuses, and desert flora, which don’t require watering.

Now, though, the grass may be greener next door simply because of a fresh coast of paint.

Homeowners’ associations in this arid region typically have rules requiring residents to maintain either desert landscaping or green grass, with brown lawns not an option.

Read more:  http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2011/04/10/its_not_easy_being_green_when_it_comes_to_lawns_in_phoenix/

Article courtesy of The New York Times by Marc Lacey