Now see, I haven't heard a thing about those toads - are they a recent phenomena? I'm returning to the desert after 6 years in the mid-west; there's a lot I've forgotten and things do change.... Anywho, there are some great books out there - if you'd like to tell us which ones, we might be able to supplement your list. As for trees..... I agree with the Desert Museum. Not only do they have the attributes piranhafem mentioned, but they also have an incredible bloom in the spring - bright yellow, slightly larger flowers than the species. Some people aren't as thrilled, but I like the bloom drop that forms a golden carpet underneath the tree. It dries and dissipates pretty quickly, but it's definitely something you don't want to have to clean out of your fountain. The Mesquites are also pretty fast growing; they are native and need very little care short of the occasional shaping. Very drought tolerant, and I wouldn't put them in a lawn because of the water they would receive - in fact, a few of the desert trees are good in lawns (too frequent and too shallow of water). As they age they can get very nice branch structure, great for putting sitting areas under. The natives do have thorns, but there is a thornless hybrid, Maverick. I think there is also a thornless Honey Mesquite (more upright, bright green and a bit leafy-er than some of the mesquites) which is one of my favorites. There are several different cultivars of Desert Willow for a long, summer blooming tree that stays about 25', and takes a few years to get there. I know you asked for faster growing, I only mention this one because I just got a Chilopsis 'Bubba' and am totally in love with the magenta and pink orchid shaped flowers. If you want to see, I've posted a link below. Honestly, there are *tons* of great trees, and I would hold off getting any until you've had a chance to live in your home for a while, or just plant any you put in now somewhat far from your home until you know what you need in terms of light, how cold things get, etc. Tucson has a botanical garden - I haven't been there in years but it and Tohono Chul park in northern Tucson are great places to go to see what is available, and what it looks like planted. The Desert Museum in west Tucson is a must-see for anyone; you will learn more about your new home in an couple of hours than anywhere else. Once again, I haven't been in years, so I'm not sure what they have in terms of showing off trees, but if they're hybridizing plants, I'm betting they have good ones. If you make it up to Phoenix, another must-see for plant lovers is the Desert Botanical Gardens - it's a great place to see hundreds of established plants and get great ideas. Blah blah blah, lol. If you have any other specific wants on trees, let us know, there's some very knowledgeable people on this forum. Here is a link that might be useful: Desert Willow 'Bubba'

(likely a creeping perennial) ==>>> key word in that.. or letter is ... A ... NEVER rely on one plant .. ever ... the only real way.. to find ONE plant .. is to plant a mess of different kinds... and find out.. which will thrive in your courted micro climate ... so take all the recommendations.. and wing it .. there is no definitive answer ... and you will probably end up enjoying the variation ... having owned a golden.. your biggest problem.. will probably be... getting them to not dig them up.. to find out what you put under them .. rather large golden squirrels .. lol ... so figure out.. how to protect them.. long enough to get going ... though once established.. you should be all set .... BTW ... many of the ground cover are aggressive flowerers ... which will attract bees ... which my old golden.. used to enjoy eating.. really.. what was that all about .... though usually.. the flower season is rather short.. a week or two ... but they can make it difficult to walk in your court yard.. for that period ... ken

@ patriceny- Absolutely! :) Dogs are family! @ Fori - Lol Same here, my doodle always slide when he sits on the tile floor. So a 'sit' command ends up in a 'down' position. It happens on smooth hardwood floors too! @ nanj - Thanks for reminding me with regards to the clicking sound from their nails touching the laminate flooring! I wonder if the new laminate flooring still has that hollow sound. @ Anglophilia - Solid hardwood floors are always so beautiful. Would love to have that if budget allows! At this moment, we are looking into laminate or EVP (Engineered vinyl plank) flooring for the main areas of the home. Tile flooring for the bathrooms. In my research yesterday, we found it hard to take in that the 12mm EVPs from Coretec actually cost more than laminate and engineered hardwood flooring. I ordered some complimentary samples from Coretec through their website, hope to receive it soon for comparison.

Keep us posted. I fear in a couple years I will need to replace my flooring. It is Bruce laminated hardwood. It has been finished twice now and it looks meh. I have 6 different flooring types if you stand at my front door. It used to be the fashion to have different floors for different rooms. Apparently, not any more. Now it is all the same flooring thruout. So, when we get to the point of thinking about selling, I am sure I will have to bite the bullet. We have an 85 pound German Shepherd. She is a sweetie, but her nails are black and the people that Dremel them are very good with her. But, it only lasts for about 2-3 days, and then she is clicking again. Drives me crazy!! So, I am following your post in hopes to learn something. Thank you for sharing!