How to Landscape for Desert Areas

Plan the Landscape

• 1

  Measure the garden. Note all existing features such as the house, walk, patio, shrubs and trees on the graph paper, using one square per foot.

• 2

  Draw arrows on the plan, noting north and south, the wind direction and the path of the sun. Mark areas of shade provided by trees and the house.

• 3

  Scan or make several photocopies of the layout of the garden. Using highlighters, draw the new features. Use green for lawn, blue for water features, yellow for plantings. Use a zone plan, moving from the house out to the edge of the property. Zone 1 includes flowers requiring more water and shelter, generally close to the house or under existing trees. Zone 2 incorporates trees and shrubs that shelter the house from the prevailing winds and hot summer sun. Zone 3 spreads outward to the edge of the property, including native plants that enjoy the desert climate.

• 4

  Go outside and look again at the house and current landscaping. Adjust the plan as needed to accommodate existing trees and shrubs. Note plants that you intend to transplant to other areas of the garden.

• 5

  Set a chair where you plan to install a sitting area. Note the existing shade, and plan for more trees or shrubs to shelter the chairs or bench. Also research plants that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

• 6

  Discuss your landscape plan with your neighbors, and if you live in a homeowners association (HOA), check the covenants, codes and restrictions (CC&Rs) included in your house paperwork. For example, some CC&Rs require a lawn in front of every house. You may have to adjust your plans to accommodate the HOA's rules.

• 7

  Complete any improvements or construction before installing the new landscape. You do not want painters or construction workers trampling the new plants.

Planting the Garden

• 8

  Loosen the soil by digging with a shovel. Remove rocks and unwanted vegetation. Set aside plants that you intend to transplant. Put them in a sheltered place and keep the rootball damp. Cover with burlap or cloth tarp to protect from the sun and wind.

• 9

  Pour compost and any other amendments over the garden and dig it in. Rake the lawn area smooth. Sprinkle with water.

• 10

  Roll out the tubing for the drip watering system. Set the plants in place, still in the pots, and consider the landscape from the house and the street before installing the emitters.

• 11

  Install the lawn. While seed is inexpensive, in a desert landscape it is generally easier to use sod. Wet the soil, then roll out the sod. Use a lawn roller to press the sod against the wet soil. Do not allow the sod to dry completely; it needs extra water while establishing a new root system.

• 12

  Plant the remainder of the landscape. Dig wide holes, approximately three times the width of the plant. Fill with water and allow to drain completely. Remove each plant from its pot and set into the hole. Carefully unwind and spread the roots out if the plant is rootbound. Fill the hole with the amended soil, tamp lightly and water thoroughly. Adjust the drip line and emitters so the water reaches the roots of the plants. Fasten in place with anchor pins.

• 13

  Spread mulch over the landscape, at least 3 inches deep. Pull the mulch back 2 to 3 inches from the trunks of trees and stems of plants. If you live in a high wind area, lay landscape netting over the mulch to prevent it from blowing away. Use anchor pins to hold it down. Sprinkle with water to wash any dust down to the soil.

• 14

  Add chairs and benches, solar lights, sculptures and other garden decor according to your own aesthetics.