Desert Landscaping Basics

The problems desert landscaping presents can seem insurmountable -- lack of water (and flash floods when the rain does come), cool overnight temperatures that slow plant growth and crop ripening, dry winds that break seedlings and rob the soil of any moisture all contribute to this climate's reputation for harshness. Despite the challenges, by understanding and working with the climate it is possible to create a thriving desert garden that also keeps your home cool.

For many who move to the desert from a more moderate area, learning to landscape in an arid climate means re-thinking what it is that makes a garden beautiful. Those overflowing English cottage gardens filled with foxgloves and violets just aren't going to work in the desert. And why should they? Arizona is not England. That doesn't mean a desert landscape can't be lush and colorful, though. Work with the desert and you'll be able to design the landscape you want while saving water and keeping maintenance time down.

Important Aspects of Desert Landscaping

• Native desert plants
• Planning and design
• Efficient irrigation
• Conserving water, often with mulch
• Incorperating water features
• Choosing the right hardscaping, structures, and decor.

Desert Plants: Know Your Desert Type

Xeriscaping uses native, drought-resistant plants to give desert gardners get a lush garden and a lower water bill. Trees, shrubs, and vines create shade, while succulents, wild flowers, ornamental grasses add interest and color. To know which of these plants qualify as "native" for you, you'll need to know what type of desert you're gardening in. Deserts differ their temperature ranges, amounts of rainfall, and soil types, so what you plant will depend on the specific conditions in your region.

Find out type of desert yours is or, if you already know, start browsing our list of desert plants.

Irrigation

Even tought, drought-tolerent plants need more frequent watering in the first few years after planting in order to establish the extensive root systems that help them reach water during dry spells. For most small plants, drip irrigation delivers water to plants in an economical and efficient manner. This type of irrigation is subject to very little evaporation-related water waste because all the water goes directly to the root zone of the plant. Other plants, such as trees and large shrubs, which require more water, can be watered by flow-regulated bubblers.

Learn more about drip irrigation and other irrigation systems >>

Conserving Water

Just like the advice about hiking in the desert, it's not just about drinking enough, but about keeping the water in your body. The same goes for the garden. Shading thirsy plants with trees and shrubs and using mulch can greatly cut down on water lost to evaporation.

Learn more about types of mulch >>

Water Features

Whether it's a decorative fountain, pond, or waterfall or a pool or hottub for fun, water is always welcome in the desert. A fountain might seem like a luxury in an arid climate, but in reality almost all garden-sized water features use less water than a lawn would.

Learn how to build a desert water feature >>

Decor and Accessories

A bench for the oasis area, a birdbath to make life a little easier for desert-dwelling birds, or trellis for shade-producing vines all add personality and comfort to the garden.

Browse our desert decor ideas >>