The American Southwest is a land of extremes. Temperature is the most obvious extreme element — there's intense heat, especially in the lower elevations, but with cool to cold nights and winter snow at higher elevations. The natural landscape is stark but striking, filled with bright blue skies, brown and tan sand, and the dusty greens of the foliage. Water is scarce, but where rivers run or pools form, they provide the welcome relief of an oasis of green.

Gardening in this climate requires adaptation. In some areas, the seasons are reversed — winter is the growing season, while summer is when you retreat indoors. The soil can be highly alkaline or saline. Water conservation is key. The good news is that plants that do well in this climate will thrive.

This is the climate that gave us the three sisters: corn, squash and beans growing together. This is the home of chilies. This is also the home of some of the most amazing plants on earth: cacti.

Southwestern style isn't for everyone or for every climate. Where it is appropriate, though, there are numerous options for making the style your own. Bess Jones Interiors Choose Your Style

A natural or native garden is the obvious choice. Not only will the plants survive and thrive, but the garden will fit in with the surrounding landscape. This style also works well with the predominant architectural styles, from adobe pueblos and Mission-inspired homes to Spanish-Mediterranean style to strictly contemporary. Natural style includes elements such as gravel paths, adobe and stone walls, timber beams and a range of desert plants. It blends with the surrounding landscape and is about as maintenance free as you can get.

Here the gravel edged with cacti, grasses and perennials is reminiscent of a dry streambed ... the idea of water encapsulated in a simple setting. Gates & Croft Horticultural Design "Natural" doesn't have to mean "barren," nor does it have to be simply a reflection of the landscape beyond. This garden has an almost cottage look, with masses of grasses and perennials. The wagon wheels add an intriguing western touch and some vertical height to the space. Even the stepping-stone path could be found in an English cottage garden.

Design tip: Look for grasses and perennials, such as penstemons, that are adapted to the climate and will provide some color to an otherwise green and brownish-red landscape. Another choice, especially with eastern exposure, is to plant hardy annuals. Group them together and keep the planting area small — even a little pop of color will go a long way. Shannon Malone Against the brightly colored adobe walls, this contemporary residence needs only the native plants to make a statement. In this case, even the plantings are minimal, serving as accent pieces, while the architecture takes center stage. This landscape is also a good reflection of the realities of living in the Southwest — water is scarce and should be used wisely. Exteriors By Chad Robert The clean lines and architecturally interesting plants of Southwestern style also work well in this contemporary space. In keeping with the need for water conservation, the water-thirsty lawn areas are minimal. The plantings, rather than the lawn, give a lush feeling to the space. BOXHILL Plan Your Hardscape

As with contemporary landscapes, the hardscape plays a large role in the overall design. Flagstone pavers in shades that match the surrounding desert colors are a favorite choice; they create a seamless entry from the surrounding landscape to the home itself. The color is a perfect foil for the foliage of the trees and shrubs. clemente design studio, llc Adobe and tile are timeless choices for paving. Combining them allows you to break up the expanse of the adobe and add a pop of color. This planting space is small but effective, and siting the bench opposite the fountain invites guests and residents to stop and relax a bit. debora carl landscape design Another option is gravel. In this small patio, the soft gray of the rocks is offset by the lush succulents and grasses that surround it. It's almost like you've set your table and chairs in the middle of a small, dry pond in the surrounding desert.

Design tip: Use rocks and gravel within the landscape to imitate natural washes, curving them through the space and then planting beside them. When the rains come, you'll have a natural drainage channel. vernardakis george - avantgarden athens If traditional isn't your style, then go completely modern. These bright circles of color show off the plants in style. Choose Plants Wisely

Native plants have evolved to survive in the desert extremes. As such, they're a natural choice for the garden. And as this garden proves, native and natural don't mean colorless. In fact, the bright colors of the desert are one of its beauties. Flea Market Sunday This xeriscape garden may not have a large array of plants, but the plants that are in place are so striking that the space feels full. Setting each specimen in its own space rather than crowding them together allows the homeowner to enjoy the individual beauty of every plant. debora carl landscape design If a lush look is more to your liking, though, it's still achievable. A cottage look is doable; just use colorful succulents, perennials and grasses that can still tolerate the heat and low-water conditions.

Design tip: Look for Southwest favorites like desert marigold, Mexican honeysuckle, native sunflowers, red-hot poker and yellow bells. More familiar favorites include cosmos, coneflowers, dahlias, gloriosa daisies, salvias and verbena. Or go high, with bougainvillea, trumpet vine and trumpet creeper. You can even grow some varieties of roses. Exteriors By Chad Robert If you need some lawn to make your landscape feel complete, use grassy areas as accents rather than as large expanses. Group other high-water plants near them, preferably close to the house and where they can get some shade in the hottest times of the year, to cut down on your overall watering.

Design tip: Consider using artifical grass. Not only will you save water, but you'll also save on lawn maintenance, which can be tough in a desert climate where turf grass is anything but natural. Tom Meaney Architect, AIA Create a Place to Be Outdoors

The days may be hot, but evenings and mornings are generally cool. That's the time to be outdoors.

In the Southwest, this outdoor space is often in the guise of a courtyard. Here, a replica of a California hacienda showcases the major elements: enclosure on four sides, deeply shaded patios, plantings along the edges, with a fountain in the center of it all. Any or all of these ideas are appropriate, even if you have to implement them on a smaller scale.

Design tip: Creating a sense of enclosure is not only traditional, but it allows you to create a microclimate within your larger landscape. Here's a good spot to put your thirstier plants. www.KarlGercens.com In a landscape stretching for miles, an enclosed space also provides a human-size sense of scale as well as a sense of security. In this space, the walls are high enough to provide a sense of enclosure but low enough to let you take in the view. Carson Poetzl, Inc. An adobe wall and a simple patio set may be all you need. The bright green stars on the corner plus the blues and greens of the roofline may seem modern, but bright colors are a common touch in traditional gardens. Note the centerpiece of succulents and the cactus as an accent piece by the door. (Be sure to place cacti far enough from the passageway that unwary guests won't get attacked.)
Duxbury Architects If you have only a bit of room, a simple wall can suffice. It also serves as an accent for the plantings it backs. BOXHILL Add Water

In a hot climate, water is always welcome, both for splashing in and for ambient cooling in the surrounding space. Near this house, the pool is more formal, with space for entertaining and relaxing. On the other side, the surrounding space gently blends into the landscape. House + House Architects A lap pool in the entry courtyard does double duty, providing a "splash" of color to lead you to the door and a good spot for cooling off or exercising. The high walls will retain heat, warming the space in the mornings and evenings, but will shade the pool from some of the intense afternoon sun. BOXHILL At first glance, this looks more like a small native pond rather than an artificial pool, with the dry gravel streambed leading to the water beyond. Arterra Landscape Architects Even a little water can be enough. A recirculating fountain, especially when it's running, is the ideal solution for a smaller space. Nunley Custom Homes Fine-Tune the Details

This fireplace, based on a traditional kiva design, is both traditionally appropriate and practical. As the weather cools in the evening, a bit of warmth from a fire is a welcome addition. Carson Poetzl, Inc. A more formal look, but the same idea. The whitewash sides keep the look traditional. Even a simple fire pit will work. Add some lighting and you have the perfect spot for relaxing in the evening, especially with the built-in seating.
Carson Poetzl, Inc. Patio overheads with thick wooden beams may be traditional, but if you need some shade (and who doesn't in this climate?) and don't want to add a permanent overhead structure, a simple shade sail can be stunning.

Design tip: Plant trees near the house. It will help cool the adjacent areas as well as the house itself. Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture Sometimes the details can be simple. The deep terra-cotta steps turn what would be a plain flagstone patio into something special. BOXHILL Of course, if you're going to have sunsets like this, you should take advantage of them. This iron sculpture enhances the view. It's intriguing during the day and stunning with the sky on fire as the sun goes down. Sandy Koepke Finish With Color

The American Southwest is not the place for light pastels and gentle washes. The bold landscape calls for equally bold colors for both accessories and walls. This is the place for bright turquoises and chili-pepper reds, whether on pots or on doors. Elad Gonen Pale blue won't cut it when the sky is a deep azure. Because blues are cool tones, they're relaxing and calming even when the hues are this intense. Nunley Custom Homes If you're not ready to paint an entire wall, consider simply painting the gate and the overhead. Greg Logsdon Navajo-inspired blankets are another great choice, especially when paired with a faux-plastered wall. Prideaux Design Turquoise water, blue and orange walls and a bright red pot highlight the pool area. With sand and tan prominent in the house and the hardscape, these accents add a sense of fun and whimsy to the space.