How to Create the Perfect Desert Landscaped Yard
One of the many reasons people flock to Arizona is the low maintenance living that comes with its carefree lifestyle. And believe it or not, that includes our landscaping. Sure, you can spend the weekends fertilizing and mowing, or you can head out on adventures with the ease of a desert landscaped yard.
Not only is a desert landscaped yard low maintenance it does not require much water which is ideal in a place where extreme temperatures and drought are not uncommon. It may be that it would be even more challenging than normal to keep a grassy yard alive! This type of landscaping that requires little or no irrigation used in areas like Arizona is called a “xeriscape.”
Use Varying Shapes and Sizes
The key to creating a visually pleasing xeriscape includes shrubs, plants, trees and rocks that all complement each other or create a meaningful design. For instance, you can create specific beds with clusters of bushes or grasses that look well together. Use rocks to create boundaries around the groupings or to signify a path or patio.
Mix small shrubs with tall grasses to give your groupings some dimension. Add taller trees next to the house to create the illusion of height, or along the edge of your backyard to create a bit more privacy. It’s also important to use just as many full or soft-looking plants as tall and prickly ones. Too many sparse or rigid plants and rocks may not give your yard the inviting feel you’re looking for.
Don’t be Afraid to Use Color
While most people associate a desert landscape or xeriscape with minimal color, you really should consider your color scheme in the design. Color is an important part of your landscaping plan and offers an extra dimension to the visual element in your yard.
While the majority of the desert landscapes include browns and grays in the form of sand or rocks, it’s critical to introduce reds, yellows and other vibrant plants to really make your landscape pop. Succulents provide a variety of colors as do Mexican poppies, aloe plants, flowering cacti and wildflowers. Just because you have a low maintenance desert yard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some vibrant color.
Consider the Amount of Maintenance You Want to Do
While a desert landscape typically requires little or no work, there are varying degrees of commitment when it comes to the type of plants you choose. If you want to stay completely away from having to water your plants, synthetic plants might be the answer.
If you prefer real plants but don’t want to spend much time watering them, make sure you invest in plants that are drought proof. Some options for low maintenance plants that don’t need to be watered much include the acacia, various kinds of cacti, agave, desert marigolds, Texas sage and many more.
Creating and maintaining a beautiful xeriscape in your front or back yard shouldn’t be a chore if done right. Phoenix residents can head over to the Desert Botanical Garden and learn exactly how to use desert plants to build a sustainable xeriscape at their “Desert Landscape School.” Whether you’re new to the area and barely know how to identify a cactus, or have years of experience building desert landscapes, you’ll find the perfect class to gain some new landscaping knowledge at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Arizona is full of great restaurants, outdoor activities and beautiful sights. It would be a shame to spend your valued weekends behind the lawn mower. Truly embracing the low maintenance Arizona lifestyle includes putting together a beautiful desert landscaped lawn to enjoy your days in Arizona free from lawn work.
