Desert style landscaping is a landscaping design direction that is suitable for places where the sun is out and the dry landscape is preferred. This design is characterized by large lots and small shrubs or plants. The main focus of this landscaping design is to create an oasis type atmosphere in the middle of the urban sprawl. This landscaping idea is not for everyone because it requires a great deal of time and effort to maintain.
Desert landscaping can be created by filling up in areas with low lying sand or desert soil, and making use of all types of low fertility plants. Rocks and sand are used as basic structural components and other materials are added in a limitless variety. If you want your desert-style garden to look like a replica of a Middle Eastern oasis, here are some landscaping design tips to help you achieve this effect.
You should start with a well drained, well aerated and relatively wet area. This can be a field or a flat area within the city. If you cannot create a completely desert landscaping design, you may still create a bit of fountains and water feature to add a touch of the wild to your desert garden. A small amount of water will do in a desert landscaping design and when combined with a unique desert landscaping design tip, can make a difference.
An important part of desert landscaping ideas is to balance the size of your landscaping elements with the amount of water that you have in the area. If you have a lot of grass and a little water, the overall look will be too green. On the other hand, if you have a very small amount of shrubbery, you will need a lot of water for it to thrive. Be sure to play with the landscaping design a little to find out what looks best with your own landscaping ideas.
One of the most common desert style landscaping ideas is that of an oasis. You can take a plain area, such as the side of a city lot or an empty lot across the street, turn it into a little oasis with a low brick wall surrounding it for a natural enclosure. This can also be complemented by plant life that is climbing and sprouting from the top of the wall.
One element of desert landscaping that is often overlooked is the use of shade and water. Since the desert tends to have little moisture, the only way to get the yard watered is by using sprinklers. However, since the design of the landscaping includes a lot of tall plants, this can be difficult to do. To solve this problem, try to build low walls that will block out some of the sun and allow the water to drain down a little. This can make the yard look a little bigger, as well as making it less susceptible to drying out in the hot summer months.
In a desert landscaping, you will also see a lot of cacti. These plants are not part of the desert vegetation family but are perfect for filling in spaces, creating barriers, and even tying together long grassy areas. Even though they do require a little more maintenance than other types of shrubs, they will add a beautiful touch to your yard. With a small amount of care, you can enjoy yard landscaping that has the look of a true desert.
There are many other landscaping ideas available, but desert landscaping is an easy way to make a little bit of change in your yard. Since there are minimal flowers and plants, you can add something that will catch the eye and keep your yard looking colorful year round. Your imagination is the limit, and with a little research you can find desert landscaping ideas that will enhance your yard and give you the backyard you have always wanted.