Xeriscape, The Desert Garden Solution

To garden in the desert sounds like a paradox. We all know the desert is hot and is known for its extremes. We also know that most deserts get less than ten inches of rainfall annually and that the soil is rocky or desperate for nutrients due to the high content of clay or caliche soil. But despite all these adverse conditions, gardening in the desert states of the Southwest is not impossible. Matter-of-fact, it is an art and though the rules are a little different, you too can take up what is called xeriscaping.

It used to be that before you landscaped your yard, you started off by removing all of the rocks and cactus. But if you are gardening in the desert xeriscape style then you are keeping those rocks and cactus and maybe adding a few more to your yard. This isn’t to say xeriscaping is about making your yard look exactly like the desert around you. It is much more. The desert is full of color and there are numerous plants that thrive in hot climates with very exotic beauty. The idea of xeriscaping is taking all of these beautiful desert flowers that grow around the world and bringing them to your backyard.

The xeriscaping concept is also based on planting plants that survive best in a desert climate. This would be the opposite of trying to make plants that thrive in rainy or cooler climates grow in the desert. In doing this, you not only have to water much more than usual, but it is most likely the plants will not survive the heat. A native desert plant can withstand heat and less water, as their roots are closer to the surface of the ground so they can capture desert rains. They are also less susceptible to disease.

Xeriscape plants not only use less water (half of water usage in the country is from landscaping), but the plants also require less pruning and fertilizer.

So where do you start if you want to xeriscape your yard? Drawing out a design that integrates your yard’s unique qualities along with integrating dimension is important. The right plants, rocks, rolling scapes and gravel can do just this. Watch for natural recesses that collect water in your yard, they can serve as a good location for plants that require a bit more water. Mix color up in your yard. Desert flowers and cactus come in many colors and believe it or not, there are countless varieties of cactus available for planting. One is not limited to just the types seen on television, which typically are the saguaro or the prickly pair. Make sure your plants bloom in succession rather than all at once. Check whether you are planting annuals, semi annuals or perennials.

If you like wildlife, there are distinct types of plants that the quail, cactus wren and hummingbird, for instance, are drawn to. This can add some nice variety to your yard as well.

Desert gardeners also benefit in having longer growing seasons. Many desert gardens can stay active from nine to twelve months of the year. Again, this will depend on the assortment of flowers, grasses, cacti, shrubs, vegetables and trees you decide to plant.

When laying out your desert gardening plan, watch out for what is called microclimates within your yard. You can use microclimates to benefit the plants you use. For instance, north-facing walls provide cool shaded areas. Roofs, sidewalks and streets create areas of high water runoff for collection. A microclimate will include variables such as sunlight, temperature, exposure, humidity and wind.

You can also create your own microclimate. Planting a small groves of trees or shrubs can provide wind control and create "outdoor rooms" for sitting. Form a mini-oasis by grouping moisture-loving plants where they can absorb collected rainwater. Color will influence your microclimate, adding dark rocks or walls retain heat, and white reflects it.

The only downside to xeriscaping is the amount of time it takes for plants to mature and the lack of availability in finding plants. Few nurseries will carry the desert plants because they have discovered that people are trained to look for lush greenery. Few growers offer desert plants because they are often difficult to maintain in pots before being purchased. Because desert plants require so little water, they also grow more slowly. But, if you aren’t in a hurry and if you do your homework, you can create and plant a beautiful desert oasis in your own backyard.

About the Author: Pamela Ravenwood is a freelance writer, journalist, and writing coach who lives in the desert. In addition to spending her days writing, she also loves to tend to her organic garden where she grows as much of her own food as possible. In this, she counts on her cord reel to keep her hoses from drying out from the desert heat.