Desert Landscaping

Desert landscaping is more than growing prickly cacti in the backyard. Here are some drought-resistant plants you can use to beautify your outdoors.
Desert Landscaping
Deserts are not just about the blazing sun and very little greens. In fact, a desert is one such place where one can come across an interesting variety of plants! Desert landscaping is a growing trend used by people who wish to experiment with outdoor décor ideas. Desert landscaping is not really as complicated as it sounds, in fact you might discover a whole new interesting hobby pottering about your plants in your spare time. This is mainly because plants, which are a part of desert landscaping, do not really need a lot of care from your side. Desert landscaping is definitely more than rocks and cacti. With some expert help, you can transform your garden into a beautiful paradise. Meanwhile, you can also read about various types of drought-resistant plants you can use for desert landscaping.

Desert Landscaping Tips: Choosing the right plants
There are certain types of plants recommended for desert landscaping. From different types of cacti to other varieties, you can have a wide choice of plants. Here are a few mentioned below.

Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla):
Calliandra eriophylla also known commonly as the Fairy Duster is a kind of a shrub. This flowering shrub generally reaches a height of 50 cms. This plant is of the hardy variety; therefore it can survive tough weather. The Fairy Duster has beautiful blooms in shades of red. These are also relatively low maintenance plants that require minimum care!

Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina):
Stachys byzantina popularly known as Lamb’s ear is also a flowering plant that requires full sunlight for growth. These plants are especially useful for decorating rock gardens as border plants. Lamb’s Ear is basically used for ornamentation. These are easily distinguished because of their silver white or gray fibers that cover the entire plant. Leaves of this plant are thick and the flowering stems grow erect. The flowers grow in late spring.

Purple Sage (Salvia):
The Purple Sage is another hardy plant that is available easily. These flowering shrubs have bright, purple flowers. The Purple Sage plant requires full sunlight like all other plants used for desert landscaping. With added water, you can enjoy more blooming flowers on this plant. You can check out with your landscaper about different varieties of Purple Sage plants.

Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana):
Cortaderia selloana also known popularly as the Pampas grass is a tall variety of grass that has green or slivery grey leaves. These are also easily available and are relatively low on maintenance. This evergreen grass has the ability to grow fast. Although it may not be the typical kind of grass used as a part of desert landscape décor it does lend a unique touch to the outdoors. Pampas grass can therefore be used to decorate a particular corner of the space to be used.

Yarrow Plant (Achillea millefolium):
Achillea millefolium or the common Yarrow is a one that belongs to the drought species and can reach a height of 3 inches. They have typical flowery clusters in a range of shades such as pink, red, yellow or white. Yarrow plants also require full sunlight and are a common feature for rock gardens.

You must also bear in mind factors such as soil and the wind direction while planning desert landscaping. The soil would require a right amount of mulching and other additions required for the healthy growth of plants. You may need to use some fences and ground covers to block additional blasts of wind. This would give time for the plants to set the roots firmly into the ground.

There are many more plants you can opt for desert landscaping apart from these. Select those that best meet your requirement and transform your outdoors into a green retreat!

By Kashmira Lad
Published: 6/23/2008
 
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