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61 Desert Landscaping Ideas
The desert often gets a bad rep compared to its lush green counterparts. When we think of landscaping, it’s usually within the context of flora and fauna, woodland surroundings, or tropical havens. However, the desert holds a striking beauty of its own, and many are reassessing the potential of their own arid abode, as these desert landscaping ideas will illustrate.
The desert contains a wealth of plant life, as well as unique regional stones and artifacts that, when combined, make up an otherworldly realm of beauty and style-setting nuance. From the many-shaped cacti to a wash of warm reds and yellows, you truly have a wealth of options when it comes to plotting your own desert landscape that can give your home some incredible curb appeal.
Wildflowers can add a touch of Eden sensibility to an array of stones and pebbles, while multi-scaled cactus creations proudly declare their southwestern origins. Because desert plants are sturdier in nature than, say, the traditional English garden variety, your backyard will be as low maintenance as it is unforgettable.
The desert has long attracted those seeking an alternative beauty—a beauty that is as strong as it is resilient. Here we show you that the best desert landscape ideas are not for the uninspired or unimaginative, but for the man who sees what the average soul overlooks. We’ll first look at what drought-tolerant plants and trees you can put in your desert garden before looking at some unique ideas.
Sprawling or scaled-down, your desert property is your chance to show the world that paradise comes in all colors, textures, and climates. Get ready to be inspired!
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1. Embracing Agaves
Perhaps the most versatile when it comes to is agave. This is known for forming in a rosette pattern and having strong fleshy leaves. Agaves are fairly compact which makes them perfect for dotting around your or you can place them in . They work as a colorful alternative to shrubs and while adding some great aesthetics.
2. Beauty of Aloes
Aloes can look similar to some agaves but don’t have quite the same compact rosette pattern. They usually have strong and thick leaves which grow straight out or up. They are often quite spiky and have a bit more volume than agaves and are, therefore, better for filling out more space. As with the agave, they can work well in or more compact spaces.
3. Majestic Saguaro
You don’t get a more striking desert plant than a cactus. There are many different types out there and they can dominate the space while giving amazing curb appeal. They are great for a wide number of reasons, including creating a focal point for your garden. Here we take a closer look at the best types for your yard.
When people think of , they probably picture the saguaro. These are tall types of that branch out after the base. They take up a large area so they are probably best when you want them to dominate a . These features also make them a great option when you have a large area to .
4. Columnar Cactus Charm
In terms of bespoke , the columnar is brilliant. This type grows straight up in a cylinder which means you can have a perfectly sculpted and neat . There are a few varieties, but some of them can grow to be fairly tall. Some of them also develop branches, but these can be cut off if you want to have more control over the shape.
5. Prickly Pear Cactus Delight
While the columnar is great for those who want to design a structured , the prickly pear is ideal for those who are happy to be a little wilder. These grow freely towards the sun and end up with large flat branches rather than growing out in cylinders. They are one of the most visually striking types of .
6. Golden Barrel Cactus
The is a landscaper’s dream. It’s very easy to control and simple to maintain. It’s also the cutest type of as it grows into a little ball. These qualities make the a great option for anyone wanting to create great lines or a particular pattern. Creating areas with several of these smattered around can look brilliant.
Their versatility makes them equally good for ground cover or leading up to a porch. Due to their pretty and cute design, they will help with a home’s curb appeal while not being too difficult to either or maintain. They also complement other types of greenery, such as shrubs or different types of grass.
7. Exploring the Organ Pipe Cactus
As with the prickly pear , the organ pipe is great if you want something a little more untamed. Here the grows straight up in single columns but with several clumped together at the same time. Due to this, they also take up a bit more space. Their height makes them good for the edges of a walkway or at the entrance to a patio.
8. Ocotillo Elegance
While not a cactus, the ocotillo can be used for the same types of areas. They look brilliant with their twisted and contorted stems reaching out to the sky. They get their name from the Spanish for “little torch” as, in the spring, they have red flowers that bloom for their tips. If you want a backyard landscaping idea that’s a little different from a standard cactus, then plant an ocotillo.
9. Graceful Desert Palm Trees
The easiest way to fill a large outdoor space is with trees. If you have a large yard, a tree can be a great focal point and you can also plant smaller shrubs or grass. If you don’t want to wait a couple of decades for a fully grown tree, then there are companies out there that sell and deliver trees in a wide variety of sizes. It can be an instant way to dramatically improve your curb appeal.
10. Wildflowers in the Desert
Just because you have a desert garden, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have colorful flowers. A backyard design with these flowers can add splashes of red, purple, and yellow to your garden. There are plenty of small plants out there which can handle the lack of water and intense sunshine. Your options for native plants are quite wide. Amazing options for flowering plants include Mexican or Californian poppies, desert marigolds, fairy dusters, lupines, and brittlebushes.
An alternative to wildflowers are flowering shrubs and evergreen shrubs which can also add some great color to your design. Both are ways to develop a beautiful flower garden.
11. Ornamental Grass Bliss
When it comes to DIY landscaping, ornamental grass is a great idea. It’s ideal for those who are looking for low-maintenance landscaping options. You won’t be short of options with the likes of blue fescue; which has a stunning blue color, Muhlenbergia; which grows into a cute ball, or pampas if you want something larger and more voluminous. While plants and shrubs may dominate your backyard landscaping ideas, don’t overlook the beautiful ornamental grass.
12. Captivating Red Pancake Foliage
Succulent plants and shrubs are a great idea for your yard but none are more beautiful than the paddle plant. For those who want more color, you may have found that red plants are hard to come by. The red pancake is perfect for breaking up a green and stone landscape and is sure to catch the eye of any guest who is in your backyard.
13. Cozy Fire Pit Gatherings
Trying to develop lush colors in the desert can be a very difficult task. That’s when you can look for an alternate idea to make the space stand out. One of the best ways to do that is with a fire pit. They can be incredible visual structures but are also great for socializing. A fire pit surrounded by some hardy plants can give you a wonderful area to chill out.
14. Flower Bed Magic:
Just because you’re in the desert doesn’t mean you can’t have a flower bed. There are plenty of desert wildflowers that can give you a splash of color in your planter. In addition to that, you can also get hens and chicks or agaves that also come in a wide variety of color options. A garden bed is ideal if you want to care for potted plants and also if you have a small yard. As we’ve seen above, you’re not short on options if you want planters.
15. Artistic Arrangements
One easy and effective way to in a is with a . You can use these to break up the while also adding some height variety. As rarely sprawl out, having some boulders in place can help fill up the space and prevent it from looking bare. They are great for those looking for less planting and more of a hardscape.
Boulders work well for those looking to dominate blank space, as you may do with climbing vines on a retaining wall. They work best for when you have a large due to their size. They can also be striking on either side of a patio.
16. Desert Patterns
While it’s hard to create a lush green garden with your , you can turn that to your advantage with some unique . Having plants that are easy to control allows you to create your own patterns. These can be straight lines or you can opt for something a little more extravagant. Instead of randomly placing your plants, you can do something much more structured.
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17. PPea Gravel Pathways
To add some color and texture to your landscape, throw down some pea gravel or other type of small stones. This will cover up the bare soil, which is never the most attractive look. The benefit here is that you can get gravel in many different types of shapes and colors, so you can let your imagination run wild. An alternative is to use colorful mulch.
18. Majestic Stones
An easy landscaping idea is to cover a large area with decorative stones. They easily cover a medium-sized area, with mulch again being an effective solution for covering the ground. It’s a good solution for those who want a simple backyard and want to keep their landscape design fairly minimal. The difference between pea gravel and larger stones is purely down to personal choice.
19. Evergreen Elegance
Having deep green grass in the desert means almost constant watering. Instead of putting all of that time and effort into your grass, you can take a shortcut. Artificial grass is quite easy to lay down, and you’ll never need to worry about watering or cutting your lawn ever again.
Artificial lawn looks great and many modern options have a very realistic feel. It works great as a play area, somewhere to relax, or just for aesthetic reasons as you can have a big block of lush lawn amid your .
20. Paved Pathways
Using a paving stone allows you to make effective walkways while making them aesthetically pleasing. It’s one of the best if you want to stroll around your garden. Pavers work well with a patio and there is a wide range of designs to choose from. This type of walkway looks great with colored stones and plants on either side.
21. Desert Pool Oasis
An oasis in the has long been a plot point in many movies and TV shows. You can create your own paradise with a pool surrounded by the plants and shrubbery of your choice. Mixed in with the harsh , having a pool such as this can be your own little slice of paradise.
23. Timeless Stone Slabs
A simple is to use large stone slabs. Using large pavers is a very easy way to create a large walkway or a patio. They can be easier to maintain than stones and they don’t have the same level of complexity as a paved pathway. With large pavers, you can just flatten the ground and lay them down for something that looks great, especially when surrounded by mulch or smaller stones.
24. Guiding Stone Trails
Stone trails are a perfect solution if you have a small but they also work well with any type of garden. This backyard landscaping allows you to have a contrast of stone colors and something quite eye-catching.
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Desert Landscaping FAQs
Creating an interesting desert landscape in your backyard can be a fun and unique project. Start by researching the types of desert plants that are native to your area, as they will thrive in your climate and require less maintenance. Consider incorporating cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants with varying heights and textures to add visual interest.
Incorporate natural elements such as rocks, sand, and gravel to mimic the desert environment. Adding decorative features like a dry creek bed, boulders, or a small sand dune can further enhance the overall aesthetic. Don’t forget to plan for proper drainage and consider using mulch or gravel to conserve water and prevent erosion.
Creating a sustainable desert landscape involves using water-wise practices and choosing environmentally friendly materials. Opt for native plants that are adapted to the local climate, as they require less water and maintenance. Group plants with similar water needs together to create efficient irrigation zones.
Consider installing a drip irrigation system that targets the roots of the plants, minimizing water loss through evaporation. Use mulch or gravel to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Additionally, incorporate recycled materials such as reclaimed wood or metal in hardscape elements like fences, pathways, or garden structures.
Maintaining a desert landscape involves a few key tasks. Water your plants sparingly, following the specific needs of each plant and adjusting based on weather conditions. Regularly check for weeds and remove them promptly to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Prune your plants as needed to maintain their shape and remove any dead or damaged parts.
Keep an eye out for pests common to desert plants, such as aphids or mealybugs, and take appropriate measures to control them. Finally, periodically inspect your irrigation system for leaks or clogs and adjust it as necessary.
