Landscape Ideas for a Front Yard With Desert Boulders and Mounds

Xeriscaping

• If you "inherited" your boulders and mounds from mother nature, you have a head start on the current landscaping trend. Rocks of all sizes are an advantage in natural landscape design. If you have none on your site, they can be purchased in most areas from a dealer of landscape rock and masonry. Xeriscaping is an example of both natural and environmentally-sound landscaping. The California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery explains xeriscape literally means "dry scape" -- xeri is derived from the Greek word "xeros" meaning dry. By xeriscaping, you create a low-maintenance, environmentally-friendly landscape. Your landscape still has plenty of green, but by limiting turf, and replacing it with pebbles and rocks, or groundcovers and drought-resistant plant groupings, you will cut water usage by 50 to 75 percent.

Boulders as a Background

• Desert boulders are a perfect background for drought-resistant plants. Boulders are natural to most regions, but color and composition varies. According to Arizona Geographic Alliance, desert boulders are different in appearance to boulders in other locations. Landscape chemistry -- in this case the alkalinity of the soil -- influences the color of the mineral glaze that coats the rock surface. But wherever you live, there will be boulders that suit the type of plants you choose for your landscape. Match your plants to your region and to each other to ensure their survival. Plants interact with each other, with fungus and with other elements of nature that occur in their natural environment. If they are found together in nature, they will be more likely to live happily together in your garden.

Yucca as a Focal Point

• Yucca is a striking addition to any landscape. They are native to the warm, dry climates of Southwestern states, USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. Some varieties grow in parts of Colorado and Montana. Yuccas are good accent plants in a garden and as a focal point in plant groupings, along with the desert boulders and smaller succulents and ornamental native grasses. Use small rocks or groundcovers to fill in between plants or boulders. Group plants in odd numbers -- 3, 5, and so on -- to create a natural, "just happened" look. Vary heights, structure and texture of plants. Chose plants that offer all-year interest. Interesting branching patterns, unusual bark or outstanding color of woody parts can keep your garden "alive" even in the dormant season.

The Art of Using Color in Landscaping

• Overuse of color can destroy an otherwise aesthetically pleasing design. According to Mississippi Extension Service, color is the most challenging element of landscape design. Use of plants typical of desert regions calls for a color palette of grayed-down shades of green and restful, earthy tones that set a mood of tranquility. When desert plants then bloom, the burst of color presented by most cactus flowers is dazzling. The huge bloom of a yucca brings drama to your garden. Small low-growing wildflowers carpet the earth with pleasing color when spring comes to the desert. Use these same wildflowers in your own landscape for seasonal color and an interval of excitement. Keep in mind that the desert theme isn't the only way to go.The Japanese sand and stone garden is another option for dryscaping.