I live in the same area. Creeping/wooly thyme? Not such a fast spreader but likes sandy and sunny areas. A person from high country gardens told me sep/oct is a good time to plant it.

PALMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You neighbors to the east seem to be really fond of palms. For the life of me, I can't figure out why. They are more of a weed here. :)

Anyhow, for groundcovers, here is a link from the Arizona Cooperation Extension regarding groundcovers. Don't worry, it covers some of the higher terrain areas here like Snowflake, Globe, and Prescott and gives an idea of how much water they would need. Hope it helps

Good Luck

Here is a link that might be useful: Groundcovers

Thanks, everyone. I've ordered some creeping thyme seeds, and some mondo and monkey grass plugs, and some pink rockcress seeds. I think that's a good beginning for fall planting, and next summer, blue grama and buffalo grasses will go in somewhere. And maybe some palms. As long as there's no goatheads and tumbleweeds, I'll be as happy as Tiny Tim with a Christmas ham.

How are your neighbors palms doing? did you ever find out what species they are?

Hey, superman,
the palms are doing pretty well. They've greened up and have grown a bit. I think they are Mexican Fans, definitely a fan palm.