When most people think of the desert they think of the hot sun, sand, a lack of water, and tumbleweeds. What they don’t know, is that the desert is home to some of the most breathtaking plants that thrive in the heat and provide beauty unlike any other area. As with most gardens, landscaping a desert garden takes practice and research. While mature plants thrive, they are very easy to kill if they aren’t planted and cared for correctly in the first year. Once you’ve decided which plants are your favorite, be sure to research each plant to ensure you are planting them correctly and following the proper care steps so that they can thrive and bring some desert beauty to your home.
Contrary to common belief, there are many different desert plants that come in all shapes, sizes and even colors. You can find desert plants in greens, yellows, purples, blues, oranges, reds and even purples! In addition to the colorful desert plants, nearly all drought-tolerant plants will still bloom multiple times per year, creating tall stalks that bloom flowers in all the colors of the rainbow.
Once you’ve decided on the plants you want to add to your landscaping, try drawing out the space you are working with so you can play with ideas of where you want to plant what. Desert plants do grow and often produce “babies” or “pups” which you can harvest to plant in another location, or leave them put and allow the plant to fill in even more. If you plan on letting the plants fill in, make sure you plan for ahead and give the plant extra space to grow.
Related: Flowers or Fronds in Pools? Time to Trim the Palms
One of the most common and most beautiful things you can add to your desert landscaping is rocks. Yes rocks. There are three common types of rocks that are used in desert landscaping, colored lava rocks, large statement piece rocks, and shiny colorful finished rocks.crystals. Large rocks are placed periodically through the landscaping to break up space or add extra depth, whereas the lava rocks and crystals are often used to create different patterns in different colors and in some cases, you can even use blue rocks to create a faux stream or river that runs through your landscaping.
Desert Landscaping can elevate your home with beauty, provide medicinal needs such as Aloe Vera for sunburns, and provide a stunning landscape that is drought friendly allowing you to be water conscious and conserve even in summer months. Make sure to map out your landscaping prior to planting to ensure you are not only happy with the end result, but that all your plants will thrive and have the needed room to grow, bloom, and continue to thrive for years to come.
Related: 7 Ways to Lower Your Water Bill this Summer
For more information on landscaping and curb appeal or if you'd like to know how much your Palm Desert home is worth, contact us any time!