Desert landscaping is as interesting as other types. Take a look at these desert landscaping ideas as a unique alternative to the regular landscaping plans.

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. 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 use while designing a desert landscape. Plants that thrive in short winter seasons, followed by dry, sunny climate, or plants of the semi-arid regions, are the only ones that you may be able to choose from. Keep in mind the following factors while choosing plants for your desert landscape:

• The average rainfall in your area should be recorded keeping in mind the water requirements for the plants you wish to grow.
• The amount of sunshine available as compared 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 they survive well in dry and hot conditions. Apart from this, 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 control 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, it should be noted that, such plants have adapted themselves to these weather conditions, and are thus, prepared to survive with minimal water. Watering plants too often will lead to spoilage.

Landscaping Ideas

To materialize the ideas you have in your mind, you may adhere to these tips that will help you do so.

• As aforementioned, 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 cause injury; place succulents 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 sufficient sunlight during that season.
• 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. Bigger plants may be watered late in the evenings, so as to prevent quick evaporation.
• An authentic touch to a desert landscape is to create rock gardens. This can be done 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 pathways around the landscape, instead of keeping it simple.
• An interesting desert landscaping idea 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 the pond can be recirculates to prevent wastage.
• Use mulch such as wood chips and decomposed granite, to protect the soil and even add color to your overall desert landscape. This increases 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.

These ideas are easy to execute, and only require a little patience along with the right planning.