Design a plan. Think about the area available and what kind of look you want to create. Decide whether you want to include plants in your garden landscape. Desert landscaping can be beautiful with or without plants, depending on the rocks and layout of your garden.
Purchase desert plants for your garden if you decide to use them. See the tips section and references for types of plants that grow well in arid areas.
Plant any and all plants you have decided to use. Place them according the the amount of light and water they need and according to the aesthetic layout of your yard. Put larger plants close to your house and smaller ones close to walkways and around doors.
Use rocks and boulders to enhance the appearance of plants in your garden. Rocks can be used to create a border or a pathway through your garden, as well as create a rocky garden in which plants grow.
Spread gravel to make a walkway or enhance plantings, and place rocks and boulders as a border for natural-looking formations throughout your landscape.
Install a drip-hose system around plants that need extra watering and use it when necessary.