Desert Landscaping Ideas

Desert landscaping is a great way to conserve water without sacrificing the beauty of your yard. And you don't even need to live in the desert to try this eco-friendly landscaping concept.

The basic philosophy of desert landscaping is choosing combinations of native, drought-tolerant plants to create an attractive landscape that uses very little water. This type of landscaping is most common in the desert Southwest where water is at a premium.

Some desert landscapes forgo grass in the lawn and replace it with colorful pebbles or sand, although the landscape doesn't necessarily need to look like a desert to be water efficient.

One way to create a desert landscape that uses water wisely is to divide your yard into three zones based on water needs and group plants with similar water requirements together. The area of lowest water usage should include plants that can survive only on natural rainfall; a second area can have slightly higher water requirements; and a third area may be an "oasis" in the desert, with moderate water needs. These three zones can include plants ranging from desert trees (like mesquite or palo verde) and succulents to a lush green lawn.

In general, use of native plants is recommended for conserving water in landscaping since plants that are native to the area are acclimated to rainfall and temperature conditions. Any plants that can look good without being thirsty will work. Once you choose the plants that work best for your region, design a landscape that defines the three zones and provides areas for recreation and entertaining. The grass lawn area is usually the place where people like to congregate, so consider bordering a grassy area with pebble paths surrounded by your other zones.

Remember that a desert landscape doesn't need to look like dry, untouched desert. Use your imagination and sense of style to create a beautiful, water-wise area.