

One thing to remember about gardening in the Southwest: water is precious. Even though the desert is blazing hot, temperatures can plummet at dusk, especially in higher elevations. Line the bed with river rock and soften the edges with a variety of desert plants, shrubs and trees.Ī fire pit or outdoor fireplace provides a peaceful spot where you can enjoy spectacular desert sunsets and star-filled skies. If you build the creek bed carefully, it can serve as a waterway to manage runoff from sudden desert storms. (Some desert dwellers prefer artificial turf.)ĭry creek beds create the soothing illusion of a meandering riparian area without wasting valuable resources. Always group plants according to their water requirements. Locate a handful of thirstier plants, including colorful annuals, adjacent to the lawn. Maintain grassy areas as small accents and avoid large lawns. Too much rock in one place can get boring – and very hot. No wonder the homeowner decided to add some chairs are facing the view. From this backyard, one can see the breathtaking green view on the opposite side. Rely on gravel pathways, pavers and stone walls, but don’t overdo. Instead, the small bushes and foliages give more space to this backyard to show its desert landscaping. For example, chili pepper red pots and bright turquoise tiles are great palette colors for this garden theme. Southwest LandscapingĬirculating fountains don’t require much water, but they create a beautiful focal point in a desert landscape.ĭon’t be afraid to be daring with colorful accents.

The following Southwest garden design ideas will pique your creativity. There’s no shortage of desert garden ideas, even in areas where the sun beats down with a fury from dawn to dusk, or in the chillier high desert regions. Southwest garden designs are as varied as the terrain and the climate, but even in areas with the most extreme temperatures, the desert is never barren.
