Desert Landscaping Ideas


Desert landscaping is ideal for those who live in warm, sunny climates, as its maintenance is minimal, and so are its water requirements. Desert plants thrive under such conditions, and in some cases, are the only landscaping options people can resort to. Moreover, people who aren't too keen on gardening, yet wish to have some sort of a landscape in their yard, can resort to desert landscaping, as its maintenance requirements are much lower than those of a normal garden. Here are some ideas on desert landscaping that you can implement.

Plants Suitable for Desert Landscaping

Before we discuss the various ideas, it is important to know the right kind of plants to keep while designing a desert landscape. Plants that thrive in short winter seasons, followed by dry, sunny climate, or semi-arid regions, are the only ones that you may be able to choose from, for desert landscaping. Keep in mind the following factors while choosing plants for your desert landscape:
  • The average rainfall in your area should be considered, keeping in mind the water requirements for the plants you wish to grow.
  • The amount of sunshine available in comparison to the amount required by the plants.
  • The highest and lowest temperatures that prevail throughout the year also affect the growth of the plants that you may choose to keep.
With the knowledge of such considerations, you may choose from any of these plants for your desert landscape.
  • Cactus
  • Bougainvillea
  • Oleander
  • Red Bird of Paradise
  • Orange Jubilee
  • Mexican Petunia
  • Bottlebrush
  • Purple Sage
  • Fairy Duster
  • Ornamental Grass
  • Lantana
All these plants require low maintenance, and survive well in dry and hot conditions. It is ideal to group plants that have similar water requirements together. The desert soil is ideal for such plants, though it is not nutrient rich. All you need to do is water them regularly, and follow the basics of weed control by monitoring the growth of weeds. A common mistake made by people, is watering their plants way too frequently under the assumption that under such dry conditions water requirements of the plants will be high. However, such plants adapt to these weather conditions, and are thus, prepared to survive with minimal water available. Watering plants too often will lead to spoilage.

Ideas for Designing a Desert Landscape

To materialize the ideas you have in mind, you may adhere to these tips that will help you do so.
  • As mentioned above, group together plants that have similar water requirements, but also ensure that they look visually appealing. Do not clutter the plants too close as they may begin to compete for water and nutrients. Remember not to place cacti and other thorny plants near walkways, as these may result in injury. Place succulents here instead. If you wish to create a shade with your plants, you may choose from sweet acacia tree, foothills palo verde, Texas honey mesquite, ironwood tree, and Chilean mesquite. You may use plants that shed their leaves in winter, to allow in the necessary sunlight.
  • Ensure that you contour the land, so that the rainfall is useful for your desert plants. For instance, if you have a flat piece of land, create a slope about 4% above the ground, and place the plants that need the maximum water at the base of this slope. Moreover, drip irrigation is ideal for the initial stages of plant growth. Though it is meant to survive in arid conditions, a plant still needs its regular dose of water and nutrients. For larger plants, water them yourself, but late in the evenings, so as to prevent quick evaporation.
  • An authentic touch to a desert landscape is to create rock gardens, by placing a cluster of boulders of different sizes together, and succulents in and round these clusters. These will enhance the visual appeal of the landscape. Use rocks to create interesting pathways around the landscape, instead of keeping it simple.
  • An interesting desert landscaping idea, if your space permits, is to create a small oasis or pond in your backyard or front yard. This also gives an authentic appearance to the landscape. The water in a pond recirculates and prevents wastage.
  • Use mulch such as wood chips and decomposed granite, to protect the soil and even add color to your overall desert landscape. These increase the water holding capacity of the soil thereby making it more efficient. They also help in controlling the growth of weeds that begin to partake the water and nutrients meant for plants.
  • No landscape is complete without the right kind of landscape lighting. Use low intensity lights to enhance the colors and textures of the garden, that highlight the silhouette of the plants, and give the whole landscape a dramatic effect.
These ideas are easy to execute, and only require a little patience along with the right planning. Create the ideal landscape for your home with these desert landscaping ideas.

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