Desert Landscaping: Transform Your Yard with Natural Beauty
Create a captivating home landscape in a challenging desert environment
Photo by: Nick Smart / Shutterstock
When people think of deserts, they imagine a barren landscape devoid of life. In fact, there are different types of deserts, many with scenic topography and teeming with wildlife and plants. Desert landscaping takes cues from the natural surroundings, incorporating elements to establish a sense of place.
This style of landscape doesn’t need to be boring. By choosing the right hardscape, accessories, and drought-tolerant plants, a desert property can become a rich tapestry of color, with beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. Here’s how to create the desert landscape of your dreams.
WHAT IS A DESERT LANDSCAPE?
Desert landscapes are characterized by:
- An arid climate with little rain, lean sandy soil, temperature extremes, scarce vegetation, and harsh growing conditions
- Hardscape consisting primarily of gravel, rocks, and sand
- An earthy color scheme that blends with the desert setting
- Low-water xeriscape garden beds
- A plant palette consisting primarily of drought-tolerant natives such as cacti, succulents, native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs
- Desert plants such as cacti and succulents are used as structural elements
- Exclusion of water-thirsty turf lawns and conventional garden beds
DESERT LANDSCAPING CONSIDERATIONS
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Climate.
Desert climates are characterized by lots of sunlight, low humidity, extreme temperatures, and long periods without rainfall, presenting unique growing challenges. Plants native to desert regions have adapted to these inhospitable conditions. Dry climate temperatures and conditions can be vastly different, depending on the region. Lowland deserts in the Southwestern U.S. experience hotter days over a longer period than high-desert regions in the Rocky Mountains or Pacific Northwest.
Soil.
Desert soils are lean and sandy, with few nutrients. Native soils may benefit from some amendment to add nutrients and improve drainage, though many desert plants prefer leaner conditions.
Light.
Desert landscapes experience full sun on most days, which can be harmful for plants that are not adapted. Water evaporates more readily than in cloudier climates.
Humidity.
Desert climates have low humidity levels, resulting in higher evaporation rates and soil that dries out more quickly.
HOW TO CREATE A DESERT LANDSCAPE
Evaluate your site.
Desert yards will generally have full sun and lean soil. Take into consideration your local climate, average annual temperature range, and seasonal rainfall. Observe how the light falls during the day, the creation of light and shadows, as well as reflections. Shady areas near your home will have partial shade during different parts of the day. Tougher plants able to withstand full harsh sunlight can be place in full sun, while less tolerant plants may prefer shadier areas.
Draw up a plan.
Peruse online and local sources for inspiration. Draw a rough sketch to visualize how your yard will look. For a more elaborate plan, hire a landscape design professional who specializes in desert landscaping.
Get ideas.
Peruse online resources such as Pinterest and gardening websites for inspiration. Make a list of features you want to include such as seating areas, a water feature, furniture, accessories, and plants. Visit local garden centers to see what plants do best in your area.
Consider scale.
Select hardscape materials, plants, furniture, and accessories that are in scale with your home and yard. If space is limited, a small pool or fountain may be more suitable than a larger swimming pool. Choose a bistro set rather than full-sized patio furniture. Substitute full-sized trees and shrubs with dwarf varieties.
Consider style.
A desert landscape typically reflects the local region. A Southwestern landscape may include traditional adobe walls, natural stonework, colorful pottery, and a vibrant color scheme. A California landscape may have a more contemporary look, with clean lines, sleek features, and a more subdued color palette. For a virtually maintenance-free yard, consider Zen-inspired landscaping, with raked gravel, rounded stones, and minimal plants. Choose a style that complements your home’s exterior.
DESERT LANDSCAPING IDEAS
Photo: Steve Gunther
Desert landscape designs have distinguishing features that separate them from other garden styles. Consider these elements when updating your yard.
Create shade.
Desert climates have harsh sunlight and hotter temperatures. Shade is an essential component of desert landscaping. This can be accomplished with structures such as a pergola, gazebo, shade sail, umbrella, canopy, or other cover. Trees that can tolerate full sun and little water can be planted for shade, also serving as living focal points.
Ditch the lawn.
Traditional turf lawn is out of place in desert landscapes and requires too many resources, including precious water, to maintain. Replace lawns with hardscape, garden beds, or drought-tolerant groundcovers.
Hardscape.
Use hardscape to mimic natural desert landscapes. Create undulating gravel-covered mounds and place boulders as focal points and to create depth and dimension in garden beds. Permeable pavers, gravel, or crushed stone are suitable for pathways, patios, and garden beds.
Source materials locally.
Desert landscapes are designed to complement their surroundings. Hardscape is typically comprised of gravel, stone, and boulders. Choose materials that come from your area to establish a sense of place.
Frame borrowed views.
If you live in a rural area or urban city environment with scenic vistas, incorporate the surrounding views into the design. Use walls, trees, or other elements for framing views to draw attention. Place seating areas and pathways to take advantage of scenic vistas.
Create transition areas.
Design the landscape with transition areas that blend manmade elements such as homes and outbuildings with the natural surroundings.
Use color.
Choose warmer colors that echo the desert, such as yellow, ochre, burnt orange, red, pink, brown, and copper. Balance these with neutral desert hues of beige, brown, and grey. Shades of blue and silver can be used for a cooling effect. Many desert plants have silver foliage, an adapted trait that reflects the sun so that foliage doesn’t burn.
Create a rock garden.
Desert landscapes often include rock gardens, a low-maintenance alternative that adds contour, depth, and visual interest to the landscape. Create low undulating berms or place boulders in strategic places to mimic the native landscape. Accentuate with drought-tolerant native plants.
Add raised beds or terraces.
In areas where the soil is particularly inhospitable, raised beds can be used to grow plants and provide vertical interest. Terracing helps to capture rainfall and prevent it from running off. Combine stone walls with different heights with areas between that can be planted.
Construct a dry creek bed.
A dry creek bed mimics a flowing creek or waterfall and serves as a drainage solution during heavy rainfall.
Photo: Simone Hogan / Shutterstock
Walls.
Stucco or adobe walls are typically used for structure, to frame borrowed views, or in place of fencing to create privacy. They are often painted in warm desert tones of pink, burnt orange, or tan to echo hues in the surrounding landscape. Painted walls make a dynamic backdrop to sculptural plants such as cactus, agave, and yucca.
Seating.
Choose seating that reflects the style of your landscape. Site seating areas in shade, such as underneath a pergola or tree. Choose materials that stay cool and wick off moisture from perspiration or rain.
Furnishings.
Use furnishings that are functional and reflective of the area you live in. Brightly colored cushions or Native American patterns help establish a sense of place.
Incorporate containers.
To add vertical height, create a focal point, or add color, place containers judiciously in the landscape.
Include water.
Water features are a common element of desert landscaping for their cooling effect. Fountains or overflowing basins create the soothing sound of trickling water for a refreshing oasis. Swimming pools offer a place to cool off on hot days. Install misters near seating areas for additional cooling.
Add a fire pit.
Dry desert air cools off quickly once the sun goes down. Extend your time in your yard by adding a fireplace or fire pit to enjoy your outdoor living space on cooler evenings.
Lighting.
Add lighting to extend your time outdoors into the evening. Uplight vertical plants or boulders, hang string lights on a pergola or wall, and illuminate pathways for safety.
Attract nature.
Use native plants to attract pollinating insects and birds. Fountains and pools provide an essential source of water for birds and other wildlife.
Create focal points.
Containers, statuary, benches, and individual plant specimens with striking traits can all be used as a focal point to draw the eye through the landscape.
Use waterwise irrigation.
To reduce water usage, install drip irrigation in garden beds and containers. Avoid overhead watering, which results in increased evaporation.
DESERT LANDSCAPE PLANTING TIPS
Photo: Jen Petrie
Amend the soil.
Desert soil consists of sand or rock, is typically compacted and devoid of nutrients. Amend native soil with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and add nutrients. Don’t over-amend the soil, as most desert plants prefer leaner conditions. Mulch garden beds with gravel rather than organic materials such as compost or bark, which will help retain moisture.
Choose native plants.
Because desert gardening conditions vary by region, it’s best to utilize plants that are native to your particular area.
Plant for year-round interest.
The use of plants as architectural and structural elements is common in desert landscapes. Many desert plants including cactus, aloe, agave, and yucca add year-round color and structure to the landscape. Bougainvillea, a flowering vine commonly used in arid climates, blooms nearly year-round in warmer climates and can be trained on an arbor or pergola, or used as a colorful groundcover. Trees provide structure and shade, and can serve as a compelling focal point. Choose plant varieties with flowers, fruits, interesting seed pods, or winter color.
Add groundcovers.
Groundcover plants can be used as a substitute for lawn, helping to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation. Some of the best groundcovers for arid climates include creeping sedum, thyme, ice plant, native wildflowers, and sedges.
Group plants together with similar watering needs.
For greater efficiency and less water use, place plants together that thrive in similar growing conditions.
DESERT LANDSCAPE PLANTS
Photo: Mary Sisco / Shutterstock
Desert plants sold in local nurseries are selected to grow well in home gardens, and will vary according to region. Here are some of the most common desert garden plants and how to use them in the landscape:
Cactus.
These common desert plants have adapted to store water in their leaves, stems and roots, allowing them to sustain long periods of drought. Many cactus have distinct upright or rounded shapes and are used as sculptural elements in the landscape. Common garden varieties include barrel cactus (Echinocactus and Ferocactus), cholla (Cylindropuntia), organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi), prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), and Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea).
Succulents.
These drought-tolerant plants, which store water in their fleshy leaves, add structure and color to beds and mass plantings. Varieties suitable for desert landscapes include agave (Agave), aloe (Aloe), blue chalksticks (Senecio serpens), candelabra tree (Euphorbia ingens), desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri), echeveria (Echeveria), and yucca (Yucca).
Trees.
These larger, long-live perennial plants can be used to create shade, or as an attractive focal point in the landscape. Some of the best desert landscape trees include Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis), desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia), mesquite (Prosopis), and palo verde (Parkinsonia).
Shrubs.
Shrubs make effective background plants or structural elements, and can also be used as hedging, screening, or in foundation plantings. Common desert garden shrubs include ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), esperanza (Tecoma), and red bird of paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Perennials.
Herbaceous or evergreen perennials come back reliably for many years, adding long-lasting color to desert landscapes. These include beardtongue (Penstemon), blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), desert mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa), and lamb’s ears (Stachys byzantina).
Ornamental grasses.
These waterwise perennial plants soften rocky hardscapes, adding texture, structure, and color. Varieties suitable for desert landscapes include blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Mexican feather grass (Nasella tenuissima), pink muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), and switch grass (Panicum virgatum).
Wildflowers.
Native desert wildflowers are effective for edging pathways, as filler in garden beds, or naturalized in the landscape. These tenacious plants come alive after a desert rain, creating brief but vibrantly colored displays. Desert wildflowers include California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), chia sage (Salvia columbariae), creamcups (Platystemon californicus), desert bluebell (Phacelia campanularia), and purple owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta).
Find more desert plants: 25 Desert Plants for Arid Landscapes
